Hold on to your aprons, this is the story of a recipe so good that it’s been pilfered, purloined, and pinched by yours truly’s best friend more times than can be counted.💖 It’s the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna – a name that’s certainly no hyperbole!
There’s something almost magical about this lasagna. 🧙♀️ It’s a sublime marriage of tangy tomato sauce, tender pasta, succulent beef, and ooey-gooey cheese. Yes, this Lasagna is so perfect, it practically requires its own proposal!💍
Flavour Takes Flight! ✈️
The journey to this divine lasagna starts with the beef. A choice cut of ground beef is gently sautéed until it’s perfectly browned, creating a symphony of flavours that sets the tone for this show-stopping dish.
Tip: Patience is the key here. Don’t rush this process, let the beef get its bronze on!🌞
Next, the tomato sauce adds that familiar tanginess that screams “comfort food!” 🍅 The garlic, onions, and herbs blend beautifully with the sauce, creating a robust foundation that upholds the layers of pasta and cheese.
Pasta and Cheese, Please! 🧀🍝
Let’s talk about the pasta – lasagna sheets that become tender and flavorful after a bath in the sauce. Add a layer of cheese, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to flavor town!
Tip: No need to pre-cook the lasagna sheets. They’ll cook beautifully in the oven, soaking up all those delectable flavours.😌
Finally, the cheeses steal the show, providing the ultimate comfort food experience. 🧀 This is the “cheesy” in the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna. It’s a trio of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan that will have you reaching for second servings before you’re even finished with the first!
Tip: Don’t skimp on the cheese. After all, this isn’t called the “Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna” for nothing! 😉
Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian8
servings30
minutes1
hour550
kcal90
minutesA comforting, cheese-loaded lasagna with a robust beefy flavor that will have you coming back for seconds… and thirds!
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 box (16 oz) uncooked lasagna sheets
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Sauté the ground beef until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the garlic, onions, tomato sauce, and herbs to the beef. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay uncooked lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by a layer of mozzarella, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Enjoy the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna experience!
Notes
- If you prefer your lasagna more saucy, add an extra can of tomato sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the beef and sauce mixture.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes if starting with a cold lasagna.
Q: Can I freeze the lasagna?
A: Yes, baked lasagna freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly before freezing. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What kind of beef is best to use?
A: Any ground beef will work, but a leaner ground beef will result in a less greasy lasagna.
Q: What can I serve with the lasagna?
A: The lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but it goes well with a simple salad or some garlic bread.
