Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food: the layers of classic Italian ingredients come together perfectly for a delectable, mouth-watering meal. Whether you're serving the dish for a family gathering, a potluck full of friends or simply for yourself, it never disappoints. Create your own sauce using the full flavors of garlic, ground beef and basil, and then layer it atop thick noodles and a rich ricotta mixture. Once the lasagna is steaming and golden, serve it alongside a fresh salad and you've got yourself a gourmet dinner. Do you need another reason to make this dish? The lasagna can also be made ahead of time and frozen until you're ready to eat — it will taste just as delicious during a future feast!
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Things You'll Need
2 cups yellow onion, diced
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28 ounce) can crushed, peeled tomatoes
2 (14.5 ounce each) cans diced tomatoes in tomato juice
1 (6 ounce) jar tomato paste Italian style, plus 1 jar water
6 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
6 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons salt, plus more to taste
3 teaspoons black pepper
10 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 (16 ounce) bag shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
11 x 13-inch baking dish
30 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup Progresso bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
6 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
6 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
Step 1: Saute the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until aromatic and translucent, or for about 4 to 6 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the onions from the pot, place them in a bowl and set aside.
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Step 2: Brown the Meat and Return the Onions to the Pot
Over medium heat, cook the ground beef until its pink coloring has disappeared. Remove from the heat and strain. Return the ground beef to the pot, with the heat still on. Add the onion and garlic mixture back into the pot, then stir together.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the beef mixture, then stir together. Fill the tomato paste jar with water, then add to the pot and stir. Next, throw in the fresh basil, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Mix together.
Step 4: Cook the Bolognese Sauce
Cook the bolognese sauce over medium heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once the sauce reaches a thick consistency, remove it from the heat and set aside until you're ready to assemble the lasagna.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and begin building the lasagna in an 11-inch x 13-inch baking dish. Start with a layer of sauce, followed by a layer of pasta, then a layer of ricotta cheese mixture and finally a layer of mozzarella cheese. Add another layer of sauce, pasta, the remaining ricotta mixture and the mozzarella. Finally, finish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle shredded parmesan on top.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
Bake the lasagna, covered with aluminum foil, for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 more minutes. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes, and then serve.
Tip
To brown the cheese on top, broil the lasagna for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, if desired. Be sure to keep an eye on the lasagna while broiling.
