Simple Italian Baked Lasagna 🍝

Overview:

• Name: Simple Italian Baked Lasagna
• Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Description: This classic Italian dish is a favorite among many. Perfect for any occasion, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad and warm French bread. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Enjoy one pan now and save another for later!
• Recipe Source: Cooking Italian Love with Recipes
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) from 4 reviews
• Servings: 15
• Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Cheese, Vegetable, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 414.4
• Fat: 21.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.9g
• Cholesterol: 111.6mg
• Sodium: 627.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 25.4g
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugar: 1.4g
• Protein: 27.6g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

   • Follow the package directions to cook the lasagna noodles until they are tender but still firm.
   • Drain them and keep them warm.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

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   • In a large, heavy skillet or saucepan, sauté the ground beef, garlic, and onion until the beef is thoroughly cooked.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and lasagna sauce to the skillet, and mix everything well.
   • Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and ricotta cheese until well mixed.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9″ x 12″ or larger baking pan.
   • Start by arranging a layer of lasagna noodles in the bottom of the greased pan, ensuring that the ends hang over the sides.
   • Next, add a layer of the cooked beef lasagna sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
   • Continue layering with noodles, meat sauce, and cheese until the pan is almost full.
   • Fold over the ends of the first layer of noodles and top with more lasagna sauce.
   • Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

   • Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Let it Rest:

   • Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the lasagna into portions and serve hot alongside a fresh garden salad and warm French bread.

Recipe Notes:

• Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or add a can of chopped tomatoes to the sauce mixture for extra flavor. Mixing shredded Parmesan cheese into the ricotta adds a delightful boost of cheesiness.

• Freezing Instructions: This lasagna freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

• Make Ahead: You can also prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings. Simply assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate until needed. Then, bake as directed when ready to serve.

• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

• Meal Pairing: This Simple Italian Baked Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Kid-Friendly: With its rich and comforting flavors, this lasagna is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that the whole family will love.

• Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade lasagna on the table in no time!

• Potluck Favorite: Whether you’re hosting a potluck dinner or attending a gathering with friends and family, this Simple Italian Baked Lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

• Weeknight Wonder: While lasagna may seem like a special occasion dish, this recipe is actually perfect for busy weeknights too. With minimal prep and hands-on time, you can have a wholesome and comforting meal on the table in just over an hour.

• For Large Groups: This recipe yields 15 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a hungry group of friends, this Simple Italian Baked Lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.