Effortless Elegance Your GoTo Easy Traditional Lasagna

Effortless Elegance: Introducing Your Go-To Easy Traditional Lasagna

Fancy a Classic Lasagna Recipe , but dread the hours in the kitchen? Me too! This traditional lasagna recipe easy is the answer.

Seriously, it delivers that comforting, Italian hug-in-a-dish vibe without needing a Nonna to supervise.

Why This Lasagna?

This lasagna, inspired by the heart of Italian cooking, offers a streamlined, modern approach. It's about bringing the magic of Italy to your table, pronto.

We're talking layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and that glorious, bubbly cheese topping that everyone loves. Perfect for beginners, this recipe is about 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish and can easily feed 6-8 hungry people.

Benefits Beyond Deliciousness

Honestly, besides the obvious 'it's flippin' delicious' benefit, this lasagna is proper good for you. Okay, maybe not salad good, but it’s packed with protein thanks to the beef and ricotta.

It is definitely Best lasagna recipe for family and an absolute lifesaver for weeknight dinners. What makes it special? Simple: it’s the taste of tradition made accessible.

What You'll Need (The Bits & Bobs)

Right then, let’s gather our troops. You'll need ground beef, your usual tomato suspects (crushed, sauce, paste), onion, garlic, and dried herbs for that lovely meat sauce.

For the ricotta filling, it’s ricotta (obvs!), an egg, Parmesan, and a cheeky pinch of nutmeg if you're feeling fancy.

Oh, and don't forget the oven-ready lasagna sheets and a whole lotta mozzarella!

Effortless Elegance Your GoTo Easy Traditional Lasagna Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 pound ground beef (450g), preferably 80/20 for flavor
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup chopped) (150g), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons) (10g)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml), or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml), or to taste
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (2.5ml) (optional, to balance acidity)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (425g), whole milk or part-skim
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.25ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (a pinch) (0.625ml) (optional)
• 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles (about half a standard box)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (225g)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with three lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to cover the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese.
• Top with the remaining three lasagna noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. This traditional lasagna recipe easy to make at home.
• Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to cut.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:2-3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dream Lasagna

Ready to whip up a comforting traditional lasagna recipe easy enough for a weeknight? Me too! It really is an Effortless Elegance , as i like to say.

We'll use simple ingredients and common tools.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's what you need to craft a classic lasagna recipe , without needing a culinary degree! I’ve adapted this authentic Italian lasagna easy version over the years.

For that Glorious Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) olive oil
• 1 pound ( 450g ) ground beef. Quality matters! Go for 80/20 for the best flavour. Trust me.
• 1 medium yellow onion (around 1 cup chopped, 150g ), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic (about 2 teaspoons, 10g ), minced
• 1 ( 28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes ( 800g )
• 1 ( 15 ounce) can tomato sauce ( 425g )
• 1 ( 6 ounce) can tomato paste ( 170g )
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) dried basil
• ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) salt, adjust to your taste
• ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) black pepper, adjust to your taste
• ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) granulated sugar (optional, but I find it balances the acidity)

The Ricotta Filling, Oh My!

• 15 ounces ( 425g ) ricotta cheese. Whole milk or part-skim works, your choice!
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup ( 30g ) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ( 0.625ml ) ground nutmeg (optional, just a pinch)

Lasagna Assembly Time!

• 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles. This is key for this quick lasagna recipe for beginners . No pre-boiling here!
• 2 cups ( 225g ) shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy, use a good quality mozzarella!

Seasoning Like a Pro

Oregano and basil are non-negotiable. These two are the stars of the show! A little sugar in the sauce balances the tomatoes, so dont skip.

For a lazy lasagna recipe , use Italian seasoning instead of separate herbs.

Essential Equipment

You don't need fancy kit for this top rated lasagna recipe . These are the basics:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Don't have a Dutch oven? No worries! A large frying pan will do the trick. A casserole dish can stand in for the baking dish! No need for perfection.

Making Simple homemade lasagna is possible without all the bells and whistles! This should make your weeknight lasagna recipe easier than ever!

Effortless Elegance: Your Go-To Easy Traditional Lasagna Recipe

Fancy a bit of Italy without spending all day in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! We are diving headfirst into the world of traditional lasagna recipe easy .

This isn't your Nonna's secret recipe passed down through generations. But trust me, this is just as comforting and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a proper Sunday lunch.

Ready to get started?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Before we even think about layering, let’s get organized. This is our essential mise en place. Chop one medium yellow onion (about 1 cup) and mince two cloves of garlic.

Measure out your spices. Grab your 1 pound of ground beef. This tiny bit of preparation can save you loads of time.

No more frantic searching for that oregano halfway through cooking!

Let's Get Layering: Step-by-Step Lasagna Magic

Here's a simple, step-by-step method for the easy lasagna casserole :

1. Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Drain off any grease. Nobody likes a greasy lasagna, honestly.
2. Add 1 cup chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tsp minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in one 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, one 15-oz can tomato sauce, one 6-oz can tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp sugar (optional). Simmer for at least 15 minutes .
4. In a bowl, mix together 15 oz ricotta cheese, one large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of ground nutmeg (optional).
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with three oven-ready lasagna noodles (overlapping as needed). Then, spread half of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with 1/3 of 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layering. Meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
7. Finish with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) covered with foil for 25 minutes . Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Lasagna Like a Legend: Pro Tips & Tricks

Want to take your lasagna from good to great ? Here's the deal. Always make sure you brown that beef properly, getting some real colour on it.

It will add heaps of flavour. Don't skip the resting time! Let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

This helps it set properly. You want slices, not soup!

Ever thought of making your lasagna a day ahead? Go for it! Assemble it and keep it in the fridge.

The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it even more delicious. And that's all folks! Now go on and make yourself that tasty weeknight lasagna recipe !

Recipe Notes for Your Effortless Elegance Lasagna

Right then, you've got the recipe for this traditional lasagna recipe easy down, but let's chat about a few extras to make your lasagna experience even better.

Honestly, these little things can make a world of difference.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Forget sloppy servings! Plating matters, even for a lazy lasagna recipe . Think about a generous square of lasagna, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh basil.

A dollop of ricotta on the side? Oh my gosh, yes! For a bit of colour, add a side of steamed asparagus or a simple green salad.

Pair it with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, or if you're like me, a good cuppa tea works wonders too!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that lasagna in the fridge, covered tightly, and it'll be grand for up to 3 days.

To freeze, cut into individual portions and wrap well in cling film and foil. It'll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating? Defrost overnight in the fridge and then bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Microwaving works too, but it might get a bit soggy.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a twist? Go vegetarian! Swap the beef for roasted veggies like aubergine, courgette, and peppers. Another option: swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even cooked chicken.

If you're watching the calories, use part-skim ricotta and less mozzarella. The flavour changes slightly, but it's still a winner.

This is a great way to introduce new things to the best lasagna recipe for family .

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real, lasagna isn't exactly a salad. But it does pack a protein punch from the meat and cheese.

You also get some calcium and vitamins from the dairy and tomatoes. Just remember that it's also got a fair bit of fat and carbs, so enjoy it in moderation.

So there you have it! This easy lasagna casserole is totally adaptable. Whether you're after a simple homemade lasagna or a fancy feast, you can make it your own.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! Now go on, get cooking!