Classic Italian Lasagna

Indulge in the comforting layers of this classic Italian-inspired lasagna. With its rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

🍖 2 pounds ground beef

🧅 1 large onion, chopped

🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced

🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil

🧂 1 tablespoon salt

🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili flakes

🍃 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika

🌿 1 teaspoon basil

🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper

🍅 1 jar (32oz) pasta sauce (your favorite)

💧 1/2 cup water (to rinse the jar)

🍝 1 box lasagna noodles

🧀 16oz ricotta cheese

🥚 1 egg

🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

🧀 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

🌿 Parsley, chopped

🧂 Sprinkle of salt and black pepper

🧀 3 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

• Add the ground beef, cooking until browned.

• Stir in salt, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and basil.

• Add the pasta sauce and rinse the jar with 1/2 cup of water, add to the pot.

• Cover and let it simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2- Cook the Noodles:

• In a large pot, boil water and add a pinch of salt.

• Add lasagna noodles and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3- Prepare the Cheese Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well.

4- Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a lasagna dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

• Add a layer of cooked noodles, more meat sauce, and a spread of cheese filling.

• Repeat the layers until all noodles, sauce, and filling are used.

• Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

5- Bake:

• Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil.

• Bake for 35 minutes.

• Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

6- Serve:

• Let it cool for a few minutes.

• Garnish with chopped parsley before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories per serving: Approximately 550

Proteins per serving: 33g

Fats per serving: 30g

Carbohydrates per serving: 35g

Equipment: Large pot, Mixing bowl, Lasagna dish, Aluminum foil

Cooking Tips:

• For extra flavor, let the sauce simmer for longer.

• For a spicier kick, add more chili flakes.

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Classic Italian Lasagna

EmanInTheKitchen - YouTube