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Easy Lasagna Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This easy lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles baked to perfection. Combining ground beef, savory marinara, and a blend of cottage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, this classic Italian dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It offers a balanced meal with hearty flavors and satisfying texture, all prepared using straightforward stovetop and baking techniques.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce (3 cups)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (ground)
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

Cheese Sauce

  • 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
  • 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, reserved from total)

Additional Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided; 1 cup used in cheese sauce and 3 cups for layering)
  • Extra 2 Tbsp parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Meat Sauce: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a deep pan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and diced onion, sauté for 5 minutes while breaking up the meat until beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Wine and Marinara: Pour in 1/4 cup dry red wine and stir for 2 minutes until the wine nearly evaporates. Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp chopped parsley. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese, 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy cheese filling.
  4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture over this layer. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  6. Prevent Foil Sticking and Bake: Use 9-12 toothpicks poked into the surface of the lasagna to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 45 minutes.
  7. Broil for Golden Cheese: Remove the foil carefully and broil the lasagna for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top cheese turns a golden brown color.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 30 minutes after baking before slicing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Using dry red wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute beef broth if preferred.
  • Cooking noodles al dente ensures they hold texture after baking.
  • To prevent foil from sticking to cheese, inserting toothpicks is an effective and simple trick.
  • Letting the dish rest before slicing helps it set, making serving easier.
  • You can customize cheese types based on preference or availability but keep the overall quantities similar.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/easy-lasagna-recipe/