Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
FIRST STEP:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
SECOND STEP: 3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
THIRD STEP: 4. Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
FOURTH STEP: 5. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then spread with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with noodles and topping with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
FIFTH STEP: 6. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
SIXTH STEP: 7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
- Variations: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
1. What is Classic Beef Lasagna?
- Classic Beef Lasagna is a layered pasta dish made with sheets of lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
2. What ingredients do I need?
- You’ll need:
- Lasagna noodles
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce
- Sugar
- Dried herbs (basil, Italian seasoning)
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
3. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
- Yes, you can use no-boil noodles; just follow the package instructions for layering and baking time.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
5. How long does it take to prepare?
- The total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including preparation and baking.
6. Can I freeze lasagna?
- Yes, you can freeze lasagna before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it well. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
7. What can I serve with lasagna?
- It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables.
8. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
9. How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
10. Can I add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different types of cheese for added flavor.