Craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also impressive enough for company? Look no further than this lasagna recipe, inspired by the culinary experts at America's Test Kitchen! This isn't your average weeknight lasagna; we've tweaked and perfected it for maximum flavor and ease of preparation. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. This easy recipe balances rich flavors with simple techniques, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, a truly delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe yields about 12 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
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For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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For the cheese filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Culinary Journey
Making the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Preparing the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
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.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with another third of the meat sauce.
- Repeat layers: 3 noodles, remaining ricotta cheese, remaining meat sauce.
- Top with the final 3 noodles and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows it to set and makes for cleaner slices.
Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Lasagna Game
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina in addition to, or instead of, mozzarella.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time and bake when ready. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This quick dinner idea is a perfect example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. Enjoy your homemade lasagna!