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Hearty Beef & Cheese Lasagna

Hearty Beef & Cheese Lasagna That's Pure Comfort in Every Bite

Hearty Beef & Cheese Lasagna is ultimate comfort food that layers tender pasta with savory beef ragu and creamy ricotta.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Choose lean beef for a healthier option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used to sauté the aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped; use yellow or white onions
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh is preferred
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Base for the beef sauce
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Adds richness
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity; can substitute with honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Water or Broth Beef broth enhances flavor
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Mix with spinach for added nutrition
  • 1 large Egg Binds the ricotta
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Freshly grated is best
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Enhances flavor
For Assembly
  • 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles Use no-boil for convenience
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Freshly shredded melts better
For Garnish
  • Fresh Parsley Optional garnish for color and freshness

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute, then add ground beef and brown it thoroughly for about 8 minutes. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings, simmering for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined and creamy.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a towel to dry.
  4. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef sauce, add cooked noodles, a layer of ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with beef sauce and mozzarella on top.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden.
  6. Allow lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, simmer the sauce longer and use fresh cheese. Let the lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner pieces.

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