Description
A comforting family dinner classic featuring rich beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 85 percent lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- For the Cheese Filling
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- For the Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for layering
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through to 160 degrees F.
- Add diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until thick and rich.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and parsley until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of noodles, then spread one third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Spoon meat sauce on top and sprinkle with some mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian