Easy Recipes for Lasagna with Meat

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. It is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a family dinner. This article will provide you with easy recipes for lasagna with meat that are sure to please everyone.

Details

Ingredients

For the lasagna noodles:

* 1 pound lasagna noodles

For the meat sauce:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the béchamel sauce:

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons flour
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

For the ricotta filling:

* 1 pound ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the mozzarella cheese:

* 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
3. While the noodles are cooking, make the meat sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Make the béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce has thickened and reduced, about 10 minutes. Stir in the salt and nutmeg.
5. Make the ricotta filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of meat sauce, a layer of ricotta filling, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until the dish is full.
7. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQ

Q: What is the best type of lasagna noodles to use?

A: You can use any type of lasagna noodles you like, but recommend using fresh lasagna noodles. They are thinner than dried lasagna noodles and will cook more evenly.

Q: Can make this lasagna ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this lasagna ahead of time and freeze it. To freeze the lasagna, assemble the lasagna as directed and then cover it with foil. Freeze the lasagna for up to 2 months. To thaw the lasagna, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake the lasagna according to the directions.

Q: Can use a different type of meat in the meat sauce?

A: Yes, you can use any type of ground meat you like in the meat sauce. Some popular options include ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey.

Q: Can use a different type of cheese in the lasagna?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like in the lasagna. Some popular options include mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, or provolone cheese.

Q: How do know when the lasagna is done cooking?

The lasagna is done cooking when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are cooked through. You can also check to make sure the lasagna is done cooking by inserting a toothpick into the center of the lasagna. If the toothpick comes out clean, the