Lasagna I
A hearty layered lasagna featuring rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and entertaining with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 package lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly brown ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in olive oil.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, parsley, and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles until al dente and drain.
- In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan, layer sauce, noodles, and cheeses alternately.
- Cover the assembled lasagna with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Frank'S Spaghetti Sauce in place of some crushed tomatoes. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the sauce a nice kick, while fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further. Don't overcook the noodles; they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian wine can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a variation, try pairing it with Stuffed Macaroni Shells(With Meat Stuffing) for an Italian-themed dinner. Don't forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna I contains roughly 1087 calories, with 46g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), calcium (132% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1093mg per serving (48% 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 make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out. If baking from the fridge, it may take a bit longer in the oven to heat through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture. Adding an egg can help bind the mixture if using cottage cheese.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when it is hot and bubbly, with cheese melted on top. You can insert a knife or fork into the center; it should go in easily without resistance. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
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).