The Easiest Beef Lasagna Recipe
Feast your eyes on this spectacular Beef Lasagna, layered with love, and bursting with hearty flavors that embody the very essence of comfort food. Crafted with succulent ground beef that’s been simmered in a vibrant beefy marinara sauce, this dish sings with a rich symphony of flavors that only gets better with each layer. But the magic truly happens when you layer the lasagna noodles with my creamy, dreamy ricotta cheese mixture. This secret weapon – a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and eggs, strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy, complementing the robust marinara sauce like a culinary symphony. Add to that the joyous stretch of melted mozzarella cheese on top, bubbling away to golden perfection as it bakes, and you have a lasagna that is an absolute show-stopper.
Ground beef: The primary protein in this recipe, providing a rich, hearty base. You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative like lentils or plant-based ground meat. Onion: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have onions, you can substitute with shallots or even a bit of garlic for a different flavor profile. Dried oregano: This herb lends a warm, slightly bitter flavor that enhances the overall taste. If you don’t have oregano, you can use dried basil or Italian seasoning instead. Salt and Pepper: These are basic seasonings that bring out the flavor of the other ingredients. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preference. Marinara sauce: The main component of the lasagna’s sauce. If you don’t have marinara, you can substitute with any tomato-based pasta sauce or even make your own. Water: Used to thin out the sauce a bit and help the noodles cook properly. Ricotta cheese: This gives the lasagna its creamy, rich texture. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese or even soft tofu could be used as a substitute. Eggs: They help bind the cheese mixture together. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a flax or chia “egg”. Parmesan cheese: It gives a salty, umami flavor to the lasagna. If you don’t have Parmesan, try using another hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Lasagna noodles: These form the structure of the lasagna. Feel free to use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free based on your dietary needs or preference. No need to cook these, we’re going to add these just as they are. Mozzarella cheese: This provides the melty, stretchy top layer of the lasagna. If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use another melting cheese like Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Making this Beef Lasagna is as simple as sautéing, stirring, layering, and baking – it’s a straightforward, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor yet incredibly easy to put together. First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Set it to 375℉ and let it warm up while we move on to the next step. Grab your favorite saucepan or skillet and let’s cook up some deliciousness. Start by browning the ground beef until there’s no pink left. Then throw in your diced onion, a good sprinkle of oregano, and a dash of salt and pepper. Let all that cook together until your onion looks nice and soft. Now it’s time to make things saucy. Pour in that jar of marinara sauce and a cup of water. Stir it all together, let it come to a boil, then take it off the heat. Your kitchen must be smelling pretty amazing right now! In a separate bowl, let’s get cheesy. Combine the ricotta cheese, the rest of the oregano, your eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a little bit more salt and pepper. Mix until it’s all nicely blended. Now comes the fun part – layering! Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start by spreading a bit of your meat sauce at the bottom. Layer three lasagna noodles over that, then spread some of your cheesy mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat this with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella, ending with a cheesy top. It’s like building a savory, delicious tower! Let’s get this beauty in the oven. It’ll need about an hour to cook – this will ensure those noodles are perfectly tender. Feel free to check it with a fork near the end of cooking time to make sure those noodles are cooked just right. And voila! There you have it, a labor of love and flavor all in one dish. Trust me, every bite will be worth it.
Storage
Storing this Beef Lasagna is a breeze. If you have any leftovers, just let them cool down completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave or warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re planning to freeze it, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Other Great Lasagna Recipes To Try
Taco LasagnaBuffalo Chicken LasagnaChicken Lasagna alla BologneseSkillet LasagnaZucchini LasagnaLasagna DipPastitsio (Greek Lasagna)Lasagna Roll-upsOne Pot Hamburger Helper LasagnaLasagna SoupInstant Pot Lasagna
