Tired of takeout and craving a comforting, delicious meal that doesn't involve hours in the kitchen? Then this Kroger Oven-Ready Lasagna recipe is your answer! This easy recipe utilizes readily available Kroger brand ingredients to create a rich, satisfying lasagna that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes made with simple, homemade cooking techniques. This recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (15 ounces) Kroger lasagna noodles
- 1 pound Kroger ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces Kroger crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces Kroger tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces Kroger ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 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 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.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds a rich and flavorful base for your lasagna.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum 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 stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of lentils, drained and rinsed.
- Add some vegetables: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
- Using pre-cooked lasagna noodles can significantly reduce cooking time. Check the package instructions for any adjustments needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Kroger Oven-Ready Lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option (depending on variations), and a testament to the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking. Enjoy!