Are you craving a comforting lasagna but want to skip the heavy ricotta or cottage cheese? This recipe delivers all the cheesy, satisfying goodness of classic lasagna, but with a lighter, fresher twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy lasagna recipe is surprisingly simple to make and bursting with flavour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, adds a salty punch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make the Meat Sauce:
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Heat 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.
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Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Assemble the Lasagna:
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
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Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 of the Pecorino Romano (if using).
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Repeat layers: meat sauce, 3 noodles, 1/3 mozzarella, 1/3 Parmesan, remaining Pecorino Romano.
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Finish with the remaining meat sauce and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the lasagna is heated through.
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Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Lasagna:
- Using oven-ready noodles: This simplifies the cooking process, eliminating the need to pre-boil the noodles.
- Don't overcook the meat: Ensure the beef is browned but not dry.
- Simmer the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a longer period develops a richer, more complex flavor.
- Cheese layering: The layering of cheeses creates a delightful textural and flavor experience.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (14.5 ounce) can of lentils, drained and rinsed.
- Spicy Lasagna: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This lighter take on a classic dish is perfect for those seeking delicious and satisfying healthy meals without compromising on flavour. Enjoy your homemade lasagna!