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Easy Lasagna Recipe

Ultimate Easy Lasagna Recipe - Comforting Family Favorite

This Easy Lasagna Recipe features layers of ground beef, marinara sauce, and three delicious cheeses, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner option.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped; shallots can be a great substitute for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be used in a pinch (1/2 tsp).
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine Or beef broth; adds complexity and richness.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing.
  • 1 jar Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Use freshly ground for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Consider using oregano or Italian seasoning as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Optional to balance the acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley Chopped; basil works beautifully as a twist.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Or increase ricotta for traditional flavor.
  • 1 cup Reduced-Fat Ricotta Cheese Opt for whole milk ricotta for a richer experience.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder, can be omitted for vegan options.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded; can swap with provolone or vegan cheese.
For the Lasagna
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles No-boil varieties save time.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • casserole dish
  • Pot

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Meat Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, sautéing until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in dry red wine (or beef broth) and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Mix in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Cheese Sauce
  1. Combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 4: Assemble Lasagna
  1. In a casserole dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, add 3 cooked lasagna noodles, a layer of meat sauce, cheese sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and meat sauce on top.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Stir noodles while boiling to prevent sticking. Prepare meat sauce a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Let the lasagna rest for cleaner cuts.

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