Description
This ultimate lasagna dinner recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and molten mozzarella cheese baked to golden perfection. By using a precise layering technique and skipping the pre-boiling of noodles, you ensure the pasta maintains perfect texture while absorbing rich tomato flavors. This hearty, restaurant-quality meal is the perfect crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any gathering, requiring patience for the perfect bake and a necessary rest period to ensure every slice holds its beautiful, defined layers upon serving.
Ingredients
1 box lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
1.5 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
32 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
24 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
48 oz high-quality crushed tomato sauce
1 large egg
1 cup mixed fresh basil and parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Add the tomato sauce to the beef and let it simmer for twenty minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the fresh herbs.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers set.
Notes
Always let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting to maintain structural integrity of the layers. Full-fat ricotta provides the best creaminess, and freshly shredding the mozzarella allows for a superior melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg