HOMESTYLE MEAT LASAGNA

   July 8, 2024

Description:

A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish, this meat lasagna is a crowd-pleaser. Layers of ground beef and marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese are stacked between tender lasagna noodles, creating a satisfying and comforting casserole. The rich flavors of the meat sauce, made with ground beef, onion, garlic, and herbs, are balanced by the creamy ricotta cheese and the tangy melted mozzarella. This classic recipe is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, and leftovers. Its rich aromas and flavors will transport you to the Tuscan countryside, and its satisfying portions will leave you feeling full and content.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until heated through.
  6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  7. Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
  8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  10. Top the final layer of mozzarella cheese with grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Time:

  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations or substitutions.

       

Nutritional chart for the classic meat lasagna recipe:

Per serving (assuming 8-10 servings):

Calories: 420-520

Macronutrients:

  • Protein: 35-40 g (ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese)
  • Fat: 25-30 g (ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg)
  • Carbohydrates: 25-30 g (lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese)

Micronutrients:

  • Fiber: 4-5 g (lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese)
  • Sugar: 10-12 g (marinara sauce, ricotta cheese)
  • Sodium: 450-500 mg (ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese)
  • Cholesterol: 60-70 mg (ground beef, egg, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese)

Vitamins and Minerals:

  • Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 20-25% of the DV
  • Calcium: 25-30% of the DV
  • Iron: 20-25% of the DV

Other nutrients:

  • Saturated fat: 10-12 g
  • Trans fat: 0 g
  • Potassium: 400-500 mg

Please note that this nutritional chart is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like more information!