Easy Beef Lasagna

Lasagna, the epitome of Italian comfort food, with layers of rich beef bolognaise, b��chamel sauce, cheese, and pasta. Today I’m going to share with you a simplified version, aptly named Easy Beef Lasagna. It strikes a perfect balance between the complexity of flavors and ease of preparation. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just your regular weeknight dinner. One bite of it, and you’ll hear the Italian piazza music playing in your head! Now, don’t just trust me on this. This recipe is tried and tested, and it’s raved by my entire family and friends. Let’s get right into it!

It takes about Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 40 minutes and Total Time: 1 hour. This makes approximately 6 servings.

Ready to turn your kitchen into a Roman trattoria? Let’s go!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

Here are your ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 can Tomato Sauce (24 oz)
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 cups Ricotta Cheese
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Egg
• 9 Lasagna Noodles, cooked and drained

And the equipment:

• Large frying pan
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl

I recommend good quality ground beef for the best taste and texture. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute. Let’s dig in and get cooking!

How To Make Easy Beef Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375��F (190��C). This will ensure even cooking of your lasagna.
2. In the large frying pan, cook your ground beef over medium heat until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion turns translucent.
3. Add tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to the beef mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Now, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and the egg. This will be your cheese filling.
5. Time to assemble your lasagna! Spread a thin layer of your beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles on top, followed by 1/3 of cheese mixture, and the beef mixture. Repeat these layers.
6. Finish off with a layer of lasagna noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, beef mixture, and finally top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake, uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips For The Best Results

• Try using a pre-made lasagna noodles to save time.
• For a cheesy version, add more cheese!

Storage Tips

• Leftover lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the lasagna?

A: Yes, you can! Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked lasagna noodles?

A: Certainly! It will save you some prep time.

Q: Can I substitute beef with something else?

A: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Q: How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

A: You can substitute the meat with zucchini or eggplant, or use a plant-based meat substitute.

Q: Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

A: Sure! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutritional Facts of Easy Beef Lasagna

Each serving of this Easy Beef Lasagna packs about 330 calories, 10g saturated fat, and 25g of protein. Although it’s hearty, make sure to pair it with a nice side salad for a balanced meal.

In conclusion, Easy Beef Lasagna is a must-try recipe as it’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re serving this up for a weeknight dinner or a fancy potluck, it’s the perfect comfort food that will transport you directly to an Italian piazza. Enjoy and buon appetito!