Tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a comforting, cheesy lasagna without the fuss? Then this Creamette Oven-Ready Lasagna recipe is your answer! This easy recipe uses convenient Creamette pasta to cut down on prep time significantly, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering. Get ready to enjoy a homemade taste without the homemade hassle!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 ounces) Creamette Oven Ready Lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for a richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 ounce) jars of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara or a blend)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the oregano and basil.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the Creamette Oven Ready noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the meat mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Top with another layer of pasta sauce and repeat with the remaining noodles, meat mixture, and ricotta mixture. Finish with a final layer of pasta sauce and top generously with the mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and melted. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Lasagna Success:
- Don't overcook the meat: Ensure the beef is browned but not dry. Overcooked meat can make the lasagna dry.
- Use good quality sauce: The sauce is the base of your flavor, so don’t skimp on quality.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Make sure your layers aren't too thick to ensure even cooking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (14 ounce) can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or lentils.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or sauce for a little heat.
- White Lasagna: Omit the marinara sauce and use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Creamette Oven Ready Lasagna recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish! It's perfect for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or potlucks. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one is a testament to that!