Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this revamped Betty Crocker Original Lasagna recipe! This isn’t your grandma’s lasagna (though it pays homage to the classic!), we've added a few modern twists to elevate this beloved dish. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends with a truly satisfying homemade meal. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes a generous 9x13 inch lasagna, perfect for feeding a crowd. Feel free to halve it for a smaller dish.
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Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Culinary Magic
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a culinary masterpiece:
1. Preparing the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
2. Creating the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assembling the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta cheese, meat sauce, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Baking to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Lasagna Success
- Oven-Ready Noodles: Using oven-ready noodles simplifies the process and reduces prep time. No pre-boiling needed!
- Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef, or even create a vegetarian version with lentils or mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh basil and parsley elevates the flavor significantly.
Delicious Variations: Beyond the Classic
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: Add a cup of fresh spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture for a healthier twist.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Include your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the meat sauce.
- White Lasagna: Omit the meat sauce and use a creamy béchamel sauce instead, layering with ricotta and vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This easy lasagna recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The rich flavors, comforting textures, and simple preparation make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy!