Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further than this delicious lasagna recipe, inspired by the ever-talented Vanessa Williams! This isn't your grandma's lasagna – it’s a lighter, brighter take on a classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece! This easy recipe is packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, making it one of the best recipes for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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For the cheese filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Other ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get started with the meat sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced 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, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
Prepare the cheese filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten 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 evenly over the noodles.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, remaining meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Bake and serve:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum 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 stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lasagna:
- For extra flavor, sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions and garlic.
- If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time adjustments.
- Don't overfill the lasagna; it can lead to a soggy bottom.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
Variations:
- Spinach Lasagna: Add a cup of fresh spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Replace the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce featuring your favorite vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Protein: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a truly delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your beautiful lasagna! Happy cooking!