[Insert a picture of a beautifully layered beef lasagna]
Ah, the classic beef lasagna! Its warm, richly flavored sauce, smoothness of cheese and firm texture of pasta baked together is a gallery of gastronomic delight. Perfect for dinner with friends, a family picnic, or just a cozy weekend comfort meal- this dish never fails to impress!
So, let’s gather your apron, your cooking tools and dive into this timeless recipe:
Ingredients:
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
– 1 egg
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz)
– 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook and drain lasagna noodles as directed on package.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and garlic over medium heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, sugar, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered about 45 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, oregano and egg.
5. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Assemble lasagna in 13×9-inch pan as follows: Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture in the bottom of the pan. Arrange 4 noodle pieces lengthwise over sauce, overlapping if necessary. Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over noodles; spread with 1 cup of the sauce mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat with 4 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, 1 cup of the sauce mixture and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining noodles and sauce mixture. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Cover; bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake about 15 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly. Let stand about 15 minutes before cutting.
Serve warm and enjoy this melt-in-mouth dish! This classic beef lasagna recipe will definitely take you on a culinary adventure to Italy right in your very own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’re sure to succeed with this easy-to-follow guide.
Until next time, happy cooking!
[Insert a picture of a slice of the beef lasagna with cheese pulls]
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