Lasagna with meat is a hearty and delicious dish layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. This classic Italian recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making meaty lasagna:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (or as needed for layering)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add a layer of the meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat these layers (noodles, cheese, sauce) two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips:
- Noodles: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker prep, just follow the package instructions for layering them with the sauce.
- Cheese: Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities based on your preference. Add more mozzarella or even incorporate other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna in advance and store it in the fridge before baking, or freeze it for up to 2 months for a convenient future meal.
This meat lasagna is a rich, filling dish that layers the savory meat sauce with creamy cheese and tender pasta, making it a comforting and delicious dinner option. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
