Lasagna is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and brings families together. Today, we will dive into a simple yet delicious recipe for Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato-Meat Sauce. It’s a dish loved by many and perfect for any occasion!
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table, this lasagna is the way to go! With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time!
How to Make Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato-Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes so all the flavors mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread with one-third of the ricotta mixture, top with a third of the mozzarella cheese, and another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers twice more, ending with meat sauce on top, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato-Meat Sauce
This lasagna is best served warm. You can pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top if you like!
How to Store Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato-Meat Sauce
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well covered to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato-Meat Sauce
- Make sure to fully cook the meat before adding it to the sauce for the best flavor.
- You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead; just store it in the fridge before baking.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking; this makes it easier to cut and keeps the layers from sliding around.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute with other types of cheese like ricotta or a blend of different cheeses.
FAQs
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can! Just follow the package instructions for baking as they might require less sauce.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegan cheese for the layers.
3. How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the layers should be hot all the way through. You can use a toothpick to check if it’s heated inside.