Description
Hearty Italian Easy Beef Lasagna brings comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens to your dinner table. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 15 ounces (425 g) ricotta cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 small onion (diced)
Sauce and Cheese:
- 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 lasagna noodles (about 12 noodles)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Brown ground beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Incorporate marinara sauce, water, oregano, salt, and pepper into meat mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Whisk ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and well integrated.
- Prepare lasagna noodles following package guidelines, ensuring they are cooked al dente.
- Create a thin protective base layer of meat sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Construct alternating layers: start with noodles, spread ricotta mixture evenly, add meat sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering process for maximum flavor distribution.
- Transfer lasagna to preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles around edges.
- Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling layers to set and making slicing easier.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna option.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Allow lasagna to rest fully before cutting to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked lasagna for convenient meal prep, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg