Description
A comforting and indulgent classic lasagna layered with lean ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (93/7 or leaner)
- 9–12 Lasagna Sheets (oven-ready or pre-boiled)
- 3 cups Marinara / Pasta Sauce (no added sugar)
- 1½ cups Ricotta Cheese (light or part-skim)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 large Egg
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced
- A handful Fresh Basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, Black Pepper & Italian Seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Build the Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Toss in the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked, then pour in the marinara sauce. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer on low for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prep the Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and mix until creamy, ensuring everything is well blended.
- Layer it Up: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down 3–4 lasagna sheets, then spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with more meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers until your ingredients run out, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped generously with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- The Final Melt: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and cover the top layer of cheese with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and golden-brown when done.
- Garnish & Serve: Allow your masterpiece to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. Garnish with fresh basil, then slice into massive squares and serve hot!
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. It’s ready to bake when you are! You can also freeze the assembled dish—just extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes if cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg