Name: Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (about 24 oz) pasta sauce or 2 cups marinara sauce; 1.5 cups ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; 9 lasagna noodles; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Description

Classic layered beef lasagna featuring rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella and parmesan layers. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 jar (about 24 oz) pasta sauce or 2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture

1.5 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Toppings

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the pasta sauce or marinara, and simmer briefly to combine flavors.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 cooked noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then some shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Bake the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for cleaner servings.

Notes

You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and avoid the boiling step.
This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for convenient meal prep.
Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to firm up its layers for easier slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian American