Ultimate Meat Lasagna
Try this Ultimate Meat Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Ultimate Meat Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 pound provolone cheese sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley divided
- 6 cups quick and easy marinara sauce
- 1 box lasagna noodles i use flat no boil barrilla noodles
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese sliced
- Carbohydrate 3.51072420677106 g
- Cholesterol 89.660220140172 mg
- Fat 19.8773325737835 g
- Fiber 0.274044444099269 g
- Protein 30.5686709049163 g
- Saturated Fat 10.8067996196281 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (158g)
- Sodium 696.264835316315 mg
- Sugar 3.23667976267179 g
- Trans Fat 1.60379456025899 g
- Calories 320 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large pot, brown the beef in one large piece until it is browned on the bottom, 2-3 minutes.
- Break apart the beef into slightly larger chunks.
- Cook until the beef is browned and add in the basil, oregano, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, and fennel seeds.
- Stir until you start to smell the fennel seeds starting to toast.
- Drain the fat and add in the marinara sauce.
- In your ricotta container if you have space add the egg and ½ teaspoon Kosher salt and mix well.
- To make the lasagna: Add your no boil noodles to the meat sauce, we are not looking to cook them, just coat them in the sauce to ensure they don't get dry in the oven.
- Put 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan (I use one with straight sides for easy assembly and for added height. If you are using a glass baking pan with curved sides it may not be large enough to fit this quantity of food).
- Add the dried no boil noodles in an even layer, for me it was 5 noodles per layer, four across and one broken in half lengthwise to go down the side of the pan.
- Add ⅓ the provolone slices, another 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce, ⅓ of the mozzarella, ⅓ of the Provolone and ⅓ of the ricotta in spoonfuls dotting across the pan.
- Add another layer of noodles over it.
- Repeat with the same cheese/meat sauce process, another layer of noodles and for the final round of filling add the meat sauce, ricotta and provolone but save the Parmesan and mozzarella for the top of the lasagna.
- Finally, add a top layer of lasagna noodles and cover with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Cover your baking pan with foil in a tented way, so that the cheese doesn't stick to the foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional ten minutes to brown the cheese.
- Let cool for 20-25 minutes.
- Optionally, you can add additional marinara sauce and cheese to a cut portion and brown in a 425 degree oven just before serving so each plate has a crispy cheese topping and extra sauce.
My Ultimate Meat Lasagna: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pickups, homework help, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on good food. That's why my go-to comfort food is this Ultimate Meat Lasagna. It's rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight.
The secret to this lasagna isn't some fancy ingredient or a complicated technique. It's all about smart planning and a few simple shortcuts. I use no-boil lasagna noodles, which significantly reduces prep time. The meat sauce is hearty and flavorful, simmering gently on the stove while I tackle other tasks. And the layering process, while requiring some precision, is remarkably satisfying. The end result? A warm, cheesy, and incredibly comforting lasagna that feeds the whole family – and leaves me with enough energy to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Beyond the Recipe: A Comfort Food Story
This recipe isn’t just about a meal; it’s about memories. My grandmother, Nonna Emilia, made lasagna like this, a mountain of cheesy goodness that fed an entire extended family during Sunday dinners. The scent of simmering tomato sauce and baking cheese would fill the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness. While my version might not be exactly like hers (no one could replicate her magic!), it evokes those feelings of family, comfort, and love.
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even use a different type of meat. The key is to make it your own. Each time I make it, I find myself adjusting it slightly based on what I have on hand or what my family is craving. That's the magic of a good recipe: it's a starting point, a framework for culinary creativity.
More Than Just a Meal: It's a Ritual
For me, making lasagna isn’t just a chore; it’s a ritual. It's a chance to slow down, put on some music, and connect with the process of cooking. The rhythmic layering of ingredients is almost meditative. And sharing the final product with my family, watching their faces light up with each bite, makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s a small act of love, a tangible expression of care in a world that often feels overwhelming.
So, the next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make, give this Ultimate Meat Lasagna a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it's a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. You might even find yourself creating your own cherished family memories in the process.
Tips for Lasagna Success:
- Don't overcook the meat: Brown it well, but avoid drying it out.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the lasagna.
- Layer carefully: Even layers are key to preventing dry spots.
- Let it rest: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.
- Embrace leftovers: Lasagna is even better the next day!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
