Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, broken in half)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

4. Combine Ricotta and Egg: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Stir until well mixed. This will help bind the ricotta and give it a creamy texture.
5. Season the Mixture: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the ricotta mixture. You can also add some grated Parmesan for extra flavor if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce (if using regular noodles, they should be broken in half to fit). Then, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and a bit of Parmesan.
8. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and Brown: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you like a crispier top, broil for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

11. Cool and Garnish: Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before slicing.
12. Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 22g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
   • Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles are a great time-saver and can be used directly without cooking them beforehand. Just ensure there is enough sauce to keep them moist during baking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
3. Is it possible to freeze lasagna?
   • Yes, lasagna freezes well. To freeze, wrap the assembled (uncooked) lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you can either bake it from frozen (adding extra time) or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. Can I substitute the ground beef?
   • Certainly! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
5. What can I serve with lasagna?
   • Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. A nice glass of red wine can also complement the meal perfectly.

Tips for Making the Best Lasagna

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality marinara sauce for a richer flavor. Homemade sauce can elevate the dish even more.
2. Layering: Be generous with your layers. This adds to the heartiness of the lasagna, making each bite satisfying.
3. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, avoid overcooking them before assembling. They will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking is crucial for the layers to set properly, making it easier to cut and serve.
5. Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the layers.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: As mentioned, lasagna freezes well. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Serving Size: If you anticipate leftovers, consider cutting the lasagna into serving-sized pieces before storing. This way, you can easily grab a portion when needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef and Ricotta Lasagna is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make it a favorite among family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.

With this guide, you can confidently create a lasagna that will impress everyone. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor! Enjoy the heartwarming experience of sharing this lasagna with your loved ones, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again. Happy cooking!