Are you craving a comforting, flavourful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This beef and vegetable lasagna recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Forget those complicated, time-consuming lasagna recipes; this one is designed for busy cooks who still appreciate homemade goodness. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet impressive lasagna!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef 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 onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of rich flavor in your lasagna.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This allows the vegetables to soften slightly without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. 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, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, and remaining meat sauce. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
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 stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Cooking Tips for Lasagna Perfection:
- Oven-ready noodles: Using oven-ready noodles simplifies the cooking process, eliminating the need for pre-boiling.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Aim for slightly tender-crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- Layer carefully: Even layers ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Cover and bake: Covering the lasagna with foil during the initial baking prevents the top from drying out.
Variations:
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick.
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with lentils or vegetables like eggplant and spinach.
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: Add a cup of fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This beef and vegetable lasagna is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it a quick dinner idea that everyone will love. Enjoy!