Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Paula Deen-inspired lasagna recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget complicated layering and long cooking times; this recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness without the fuss. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, and a fantastic example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous 9x13 inch lasagna.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your lasagna won't stick.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering develops a deep, rich flavor.
Make the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well. This step is quick and easy, adding a creamy element to your lasagna.
Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with three lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, three noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, and remaining mozzarella cheese. For best results, use oven-ready noodles to save time and effort.
Bake and serve: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period allows the lasagna to set and makes for easier slicing.
Tips for Lasagna Perfection:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Follow package directions for oven-ready noodles; they often require less cooking time.
- Use fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce for a healthier and more colorful dish. This is a great way to incorporate more healthy meals into your diet.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and spinach. Use a vegetarian substitute for the ground beef for added heartiness.
- Chicken Lasagna: Substitute cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- White Lasagna: Use a béchamel sauce (white sauce) instead of the meat sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: Approximately 25-30g Protein: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the taste of homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive dish! It’s one of the best recipes for a comforting and flavorful meal.