Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy dream lasagna recipe, featuring a luscious cream cheese layer, is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe balances ease with incredible flavor, offering a satisfying and healthy meal your whole family will adore. This is one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen – a true win-win! Get ready to elevate your lasagna game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred, otherwise cook according to package directions)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a vegetarian substitute like lentils)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 ounce) jars of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara works great!)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the 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 and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 jar of pasta sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add incredible richness and creaminess to your lasagna.
Step 3: 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 a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining cream cheese mixture, remaining meat sauce, and the final layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: 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, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, and it makes for easier slicing.
Cooking Tips for Lasagna Perfection:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.
- Don't overcook the lasagna. It's better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it and have it dry out.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with lentils or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Spinach Lasagna: Add a layer of fresh spinach to the lasagna for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This delicious and easy lasagna recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser that's both healthy and satisfying, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Enjoy!