Simple Lasagna Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Meal
Lasagna, a classic Italian comfort food, often seems intimidating to make. But fear not! This simple lasagna recipe is designed for even the busiest cooks, delivering big on flavor without the fuss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy-to-make masterpiece.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for ease)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly layered lasagna:
1. Making the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
2. Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, remaining meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining lasagna noodles.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
4. Baking the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Lasagna Success:
- Oven-ready noodles: These save you time and prevent the noodles from getting soggy. If using regular noodles, boil them according to package directions before layering.
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can make the lasagna difficult to cut and serve.
- Customize it: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a little extra baking time.
Enjoy Your Delicious and Easy Lasagna!
This simple lasagna recipe is perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together. The rich flavors and satisfying texture will have everyone asking for seconds! Remember to share your lasagna creations – we'd love to see them! Use #SimpleLasagnaRecipe to share your photos on social media.
