Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Lasagna Recipe, inspired by the delightful Joy Behar, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe balances simplicity with rich, satisfying flavors. Forget those complicated, time-consuming lasagna recipes; this one is designed for even the busiest home cooks. Get ready to experience homemade cooking joy!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous 9x13 inch lasagna.
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Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-boil preferred for convenience)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get started with the meat sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet 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, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Prepare the ricotta cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Assemble 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 half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with about ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Bake the lasagna:
- 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 and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips for Lasagna Perfection:
- No-boil noodles: Using no-boil lasagna noodles significantly cuts down on prep time. Just be sure to follow package instructions.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground beef with 1 (14.5 ounce) can of lentils, drained and rinsed, for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
- Cheese Lovers Delight: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend would be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on specific ingredients used. This is an estimate based on using ground beef.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This Lasagna Recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated. It’s a simple recipe that yields big on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy this easy, satisfying meal – a true celebration of homemade cooking!