Lasagna
We had company for dinner and I wanted to make a tasty meal that would satisfy all the kids and the adults…lasagna was a perfect choice. I usually make it with Italian turkey sausage and lots of veggies (see recipe here) but this time I decided to make it very simple. I used ground beef and fresh basil from the garden and it turned out amazing… the cheese was gooey and the meat was tender. I served it with a nectarine and goat cheese salad and breadsticks and the meal was a big hit with everyone.
Lasagna:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) container of ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs, well-beaten
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked per instructions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make a Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, making sure to break it up into crumbles. Add the onions, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper, to taste. Once the meat is brown and the onion is tender, add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and drain any grease.
In a large bowl, add ricotta, eggs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, salt & pepper to taste. Combine until mixed thoroughly.
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles per instructions then drain.
Layer a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with just enough sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.
Lay three lasagna noodles in the pan. Next, spread some of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, then spoon some of the ground beef mixture on top followed by a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese, and finally, spoon some sauce over the cheese; repeat layering.
Finish with a layer of noodles and remaining sauce. Sprinkle the top with some mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy.
Yum, yum, YUM! Those layers look amazing and I swear I can smell lasagna when I look at it!
That looks and sounds like a perfect lasagna. Good job!
I stumbled across your page and I must admit, all your recipes look delicious. I’m definitely going to try this lasagna, it looks fantastic. Thank you very much – keep up the great work!
lasagna happens to me one of my favorite comfort foods, and it looks like you make a mean one! properly saucy and cheesy and spiced–forget seconds, i’d be going back for thirds! 🙂
That top most layer looks amazing, not that the others wouldn’t! Going for my fork now. Mmm I might bring 2 forks back instead of one 😉
I haven’t made a lasagna in over 5 years. I think that I need to make one this weekend. Simple lasagnas always taste the best.
I love lasagna. It looks really tasty.
Oh, I love lasagna, and this recipe looks simply delicious! I agree that the turkey makes a more guilt free dish, but the ground beef is a winner in my book!
This looks delicious and what a beautiful photo. Thank you!
oooeeeyyyy gooooeeeeyyyy lasagna..Yum!
Looks like cheesy goodness to me:)
I can make a huge dent in this dish right now. It looks so yummee and delicious!!!
Just look at that golden brown melted cheese on top.
I am using this recipe tonight for dinner…..craving lasagna….and Your site is my first to go to for Just about any dish i make. Thanks so much for all the yummy food !!! =)
I was looking for a simple lasagna recipe and did not want to use the one from the box of noodles. Where else to go but here. Great recipe turned out wonderfully, when my wife Kim said to just go with the flow and not follow the recipe– I said no way. This is too simple and will have great results. — And it did. What a hit!
Having it again tonight. Love this recipe. Your blog makes it so easy to find great, simple and well balanced recipes– thank you Pam for such a great blog.
How many servings is this recipe?
8-10 depending on how big you cut the slices. I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Pam