Description

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of al dente pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe makes it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With customizable ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that warms the heart and tantalizes taste buds. Enjoy the delightful melty goodness that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready)
1 lb lean ground beef
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup fresh basil (or 2 tsp dried basil)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 8-10 minutes; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, fresh basil (if using), salt, and pepper.
Layer the baking dish: spread some marinara at the bottom, then add noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers; finish with noodles topped with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. To enhance flavor, try adding fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme.