Classic Italian Lasagna

Lasagna, a staple of Italian cuisine, is a true comfort food with its layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella. This easy yet delicious recipe is a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. The rich blend of flavors and textures will leave everyone craving for more.

Ingredients

🧄 2 cloves garlic, chopped
🧅 1 onion, chopped
🍅 1 tomato, chopped
🌿 1/2 teaspoon oregano
🥬 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
🍖 2 pounds ground beef
🧀 1 large container ricotta cheese (or two small)
🧀 Shredded mozzarella cheese
🍝 1 box lasagna noodles
🍯 2 jars pasta sauce of your choice
🥚 1 egg
🥄 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
🧂 1 teaspoon black pepper
🥄 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1- Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the chicken bouillon, black pepper, and oregano. Add the chopped tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Finally, pour in the pasta sauce. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

2- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

• In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth.

4- Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
• Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, followed by more meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
• Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layering process until all noodles, sauce, and ricotta are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

5- Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories (per serving): Approximately 450
Protein, fats, and carbohydrates (per serving): 30g protein, 28g fat, 25g carbohydrates
Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowl, baking dish, aluminum foil

Cooking Tips:

• For a richer flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the sauce.
• Letting the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking helps settle the layers and makes serving easier.

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Classic Italian Lasagna