Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! This irresistible lasagne recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines layers of rich, hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dinner that will have everyone begging for seconds, this lasagne and garlic bread combo is your ultimate comfort food solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 500g ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 slices of garlic bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and carefully place lasagna noodles into the boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and season with Italian seasoning. Add marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the Italian seasoning, mixing until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles as the first layer.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the next 3 noodles, remaining ricotta, meat sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles, remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the last of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- While the lasagna is baking, prepare the garlic bread. Preheat a separate oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread butter on each slice of bread and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced fresh garlic. Place on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Plate with garlic bread on the side.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your lasagne pots and garlic bread!
Tips
- Always cook lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep your lasagne from becoming greasy.
- Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For extra flavor, try using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste—homemade is always best, but a good store-bought sauce works too.
- Don't skip the foil cover during initial baking—this helps cook the lasagne evenly and prevents the top from burning.
- For perfectly crispy garlic bread, watch it closely in the oven to avoid burning.
- Consider using a mix of cheeses like parmesan with mozzarella for added depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
