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Easy Lasagna with Cheese

Easy Lasagna with Cheese: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe

Enjoy the comforting and delicious Easy Lasagna with Cheese, perfect for family meals and gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with Italian sausage.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Diced.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Red Wine or Beef Broth Substitute chicken broth for non-alcoholic option.
  • 24 ounces Marinara Sauce Choose a quality brand.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Can substitute with Italian seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, reserve some for garnish.
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper
For the Cheesy Layers
  • 15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese Can use reduced-fat.
  • 16 ounces Cottage Cheese Can partially replace with more ricotta.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Reserve some for topping.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the cheese mixture.
For the Lasagna
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Rinse in cold water to prevent sticking.

Equipment

  • Deep Skillet
  • large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sauté the Meat: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Add onion and ground beef; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Create the Sauce: Pour in red wine or beef broth; simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add marinara sauce, dried thyme, sugar, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta, cottage cheese, half of mozzarella, egg, and parsley in a bowl until smooth.
  5. Cook the Noodles: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water, cook noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Rinse under cold water.
  6. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, more meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  7. Bake the Lasagna: Cover with foil poked with toothpicks. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Broil for the Perfect Finish: Remove foil, set oven to broil, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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