Jeff Baker'S Authentic Italian Lasagne
A hearty Italian lasagne featuring savory meat sauce, rich cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving authentic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground round or lean ground hamburger ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves peeled ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil crushed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. canned tomatoes well drained ⓘ
- 12 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/3 c. bell pepper minced ⓘ
- 1/2 onion chopped ⓘ
- 10 to 12 mushrooms sliced
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagne noodles
- 2 lb. Mozzarella or Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 8 slices thin Mozzarella or 12 oz. shredded Mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat slowly in a frypan and break into small pieces.
- Add minced bell pepper, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms to the meat.
- Spoon off excess fat and drain.
- Add peeled garlic cloves, crushed basil, salt, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes and remove the garlic cloves.
- Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and parsley flakes.
- Layer the cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and sliced or shredded mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as pork or Italian sausage, alongside the ground beef. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can be a great shortcut. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables or use lentils. Fresh herbs can enhance the sauce's flavor, so feel free to add some oregano or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, can complement the flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, consider serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh caprese salad. Explore more comforting Italian recipes to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeff Baker'S Authentic Italian Lasagne contains roughly 497 calories, with 12g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this lasagna?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the lasagna.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a bit of extra baking time if it's cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven. This makes it a great dish for entertaining.
What is the best way to cut and serve lasagna?
To achieve clean slices, let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows it to set, making it easier to cut. Use a sharp knife or a spatula to serve, and consider garnishing with fresh parsley for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).