Description
This Easy Lasagna recipe layers savory meat sauce with a creamy cheese mixture and tender lasagna noodles, baked to golden perfection. Featuring ground beef simmered with aromatic herbs and marinara sauce, combined with a cheesy blend of cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, this classic Italian-American dish is comforting and ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz marinara sauce (3 cups)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
- 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Assembly
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided, 1 cup used in cheese sauce + 2 cups for topping and layering)
- Additional 2 Tbsp parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and the diced onion. Sauté while breaking up the meat for about 5 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup red wine and stir for 2 minutes until the wine is almost evaporated. Add 3 cups marinara sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp parsley. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese, 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 large egg, and 2 Tbsp chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Cook the Noodles: Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the 9 lasagna noodles, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Lay 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Spoon and spread half of the cheese mixture over the top. Repeat with another layer of noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and remaining cheese sauce. Finish with the final 3 noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Poke 9-12 toothpicks evenly over the surface of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes.
- Broil and Rest: Remove the foil and broil the lasagna for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the lasagna to set and for easier serving.
Notes
- Using wine adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it hold together when slicing.
- To save time, you can use no-boil noodles, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- For a richer flavor, whole milk ricotta and whole milk mozzarella may be substituted.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna, meat sauce, cheese lasagna, baked pasta, Italian dinner, comfort food
