Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Lean ground beef
- 1 box (16 oz) Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or par-boiled)
- 2 jars (24 oz each) High-quality marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 container (15 oz) Whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Large egg
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat to ensure your lasagna isn’t greasy. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer the meat sauce for about 10 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and two cups of the shredded mozzarella. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and consistent. Adding the egg helps the cheese layer set properly so it doesn’t run when you slice the lasagna later.
- Spread about one cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, cheese—until you reach the top of the dish. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, you can lightly spray the underside of the foil with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown on top. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing; this is crucial for clean layers.
- Slice the lasagna into squares and use a wide spatula to lift each piece onto a plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for the complete comfort food experience.
- Cook Time: 65 minutes