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Easy Lasagna

Easy Lasagna

This Easy Lasagna recipe combines layers of pasta, savory meats, and creamy cheese for a delicious family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 slices
Calories 535 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 4 ounces baby bella mushrooms finely chopped
  • ½ pound mild italian sausage
  • ½ pound 85/15 ground beef
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup finely chopped basil plus more for serving
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 lemon, optional
  • 8 ounces oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, mushrooms, sausage, and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 7-8 minutes, or until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 7-8 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, egg, lemon zest (if using), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  • Assemble the lasagna: Spread ⅓ of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the lasagna noodles, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella.
  • Repeat the process: Spread another ⅓ of the meat sauce, then layer with the remaining noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and finish with the last ⅓ of the meat sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. For an extra golden top, broil for 3-4 minutes at the end.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped basil before serving, if desired.

Notes

Noodles: Be sure the package says 'no-boil' or 'oven-ready'. If you’re unable to find these, simply prepare regular lasagna noodles according to the package directions prior to assembling. Ground meats: Ground beef or pork will work if needed. Italian seasoning: Whip up your own for the most flavor. Prepping ahead: You can entirely make the lasagna and freeze or store in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days before baking. Freezing: You can freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 30gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 1412mgPotassium: 679mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 969IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 368mgIron: 3mg
Keyword baking, Comfort Food, easy lasagna, family meal, lasagna, Pasta
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