Tired of heavy, ricotta-laden lasagna? Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's a little lighter on the calories but still bursting with flavor? Then this Lasagna No Ricotta recipe is for you! This easy recipe skips the traditional ricotta cheese, resulting in a surprisingly lighter yet equally flavorful lasagna that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, offering a healthy meal without sacrificing taste. Get ready to enjoy a new favorite among your quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it a great option for busy cooks.
- 1 pound lean 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
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: A Simple Guide
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious lasagna without ricotta:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. This creates a rich and flavorful base for your lasagna.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your 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 three lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Layer the flavors: Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake to perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Lasagna Success
- Oven-ready noodles: Using oven-ready lasagna noodles simplifies the cooking process, eliminating the need for pre-boiling.
- Meat options: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetable additions: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Delicious Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat sauce for a kick.
- White Lasagna: Use a creamy béchamel sauce instead of the tomato-based sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - approximate)
This recipe offers a healthy meal option, though the exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used. Consider this a general guideline:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Lasagna No Ricotta recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious and easy to make. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!