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Comforting Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Rich Meat Sauce

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A hearty and satisfying homemade lasagna featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and layers of tender noodles. Perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, small curd
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and lay flat on parchment or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, blended cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil (spray underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too watery, simmer longer to thicken. Lay noodles flat on parchment or foil to prevent sticking. Spray underside of foil with cooking spray to avoid sticking to cheese. Let lasagna rest 15 minutes before serving for easier slicing. No-boil noodles can be used but ensure sauce is slightly more liquidy.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, homemade lasagna, meat sauce, comfort food, Italian recipe, easy lasagna, family dinner

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