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American Lasagna Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings (1 9x13-inch dish)

Description

This classic American lasagna recipe combines layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella cheese. Preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld perfectly, creating a hearty and comforting dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pasta

  • 12 dry lasagna noodles

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt (from the divided salt)

Additional Cheese

  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, chopped fresh basil, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and dried oregano. Simmer this meat sauce mixture uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes to develop flavor.
  2. Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the 12 dry lasagna noodles and cook for about 8 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and lay the noodles flat on clean towels to dry and prevent sticking.
  3. Make the ricotta cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, dried parsley, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
  4. Assemble the lasagna layers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread one-third of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Spoon and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat this layering process once more, and then top with the remaining noodles and meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  5. Bake the lasagna: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the lasagna to set and cool slightly for easier slicing.
  6. Optional - Day-old baking: If the lasagna has been prepared and refrigerated overnight, bake covered with aluminum foil at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes to achieve a perfectly cooked, bubbly top, as recommended by the editor's note.

Notes

  • Making the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerating allows the spices and flavors to meld for exceptional taste.
  • For best results, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil during the initial baking period to keep it moist.
  • If baking refrigerated lasagna, increase baking time to 1 hour covered, then uncover and bake for 20 minutes to ensure thorough heating.
  • Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce greasiness.
  • Lay cooked noodles flat on towels to avoid sticking before assembling.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/american-lasagna-recipe/