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Easy Lasagna Recipe

Heartwarming Easy Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

This Easy Lasagna Recipe offers a comforting dish filled with layers of flavor, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil Feel free to use grapeseed or avocado oil.
  • 5 ounces Pancetta Can substitute with bacon or omit.
  • 1 pound Hot Italian Sausage Swap for mild sausage if desired.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 cup Onion, chopped Shallots can be used instead.
  • 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine Replace with extra beef stock for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 1/2 cup Beef Stock Substitute with chicken stock if desired.
  • 56 ounces Crushed Tomatoes 2 x 28 ounces cans.
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar Can adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
  • Salt Essential for flavoring throughout.
  • Pepper Essential for flavoring throughout.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 16 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a good alternative.
  • 5 ounces Fontina Cheese, grated Can swap with mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • 1 large Egg Provides structure to the ricotta layer.
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Optional for personal preference.
For the Noodles and Toppings
  • 15 Lasagna Noodles No-boil noodles can be used for convenience.
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Can substitute with provolone or white cheddar.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated Use Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Pot for boiling
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Lasagna Recipe
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, adding 5 ounces of pancetta. Sauté until browned, approximately 4 minutes. Next, incorporate 1 pound of hot Italian sausage and 1 pound of ground beef, breaking apart as they cook until browned. Once browned, stir in 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of chopped onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Then mix in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 cup of dry red wine, and ½ cup of beef stock. Finally, add 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and sugar, and let the mixture simmer for 40 minutes on low heat.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, 5 ounces of grated fontina cheese, 1 large egg, and 1 egg yolk. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for added warmth, and mix everything together until smooth and well blended.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cooking 15 lasagna noodles according to package instructions for about 4 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, gently drain the noodles and lay them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a touch of olive oil. Start layering by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom, followed by three lasagna noodles. Next, add a portion of the ricotta mixture and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process until finished, ensuring the last layer is topped with 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Cover the assembled lasagna loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  6. Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This easy lasagna recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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