Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a little slice of North End culinary magic? This Classic North End Lasagna isn't just a recipe—it's a journey through layers of cheesy, saucy perfection that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! Imagine a dish so rich, so perfectly balanced, that it captures the essence of traditional Italian-American cooking in every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a weekend cooking warrior, this lasagna recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in creating unforgettable meal memories.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of browned ground beef, followed by marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layering process two more times, creating three complete layers.
- Top the final layer with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes to allow layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Cut into 8 equal portions.
Tips
- Always use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheeses and marinara sauce—they make a world of difference.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs like oregano or basil to your ricotta mixture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a more authentic and creamy texture.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Use a sharp knife and a spatula when cutting and serving to maintain those beautiful layers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 356kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
