Cheesy Italian Beef Lasagna
Experience the comforting embrace of Cheesy Italian Beef Lasagna, a beloved family recipe that elevates the traditional lasagna experience by skipping cottage cheese and ricotta entirely. Instead, this delightful dish features rich, savory ground beef paired with an abundance of melty mozzarella cheese, creating layers of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. With a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, this lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this hearty meal will leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe that requires just a single pot for boiling, making cleanup a breeze!
8-12
Servings
292
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
1 1/2 lbs (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Tomato Paste
1 (12 ounce) can (none)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Boiling Water
2 1/2 - 3 cups (boiled)
Oregano or Italian Spices
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Lasagna Noodles
1/2 lb (cooked and drained)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 lbs (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, frying until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it is browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess oil.
3
Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and boiling water. Mix well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
In a 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked lasagna noodles on top.
8
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
23g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Cheesy Italian Beef Lasagna unique?
This recipe is unique because it skips traditional cottage cheese and ricotta entirely, focusing instead on a rich meat sauce and an abundance of melty mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this lasagna recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 12 servings.
What type of meat is recommended for this lasagna?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of either ground beef or Italian sausage, or a combination of both.
How many calories are in one serving of this lasagna?
Each serving contains approximately 292 calories.
Does this recipe include ricotta or cottage cheese?
No, this specific version of lasagna intentionally omits both cottage cheese and ricotta.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
What is the baking temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long do I bake the lasagna without foil?
After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How long should the lasagna rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes to make cutting easier.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce starts with one large chopped onion and one minced clove of garlic fried in oil.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 14 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of tomato products are needed?
You will need one 12-ounce can of tomato paste and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 to 3 cups of boiling water to be stirred into the sauce mixture.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano or general Italian spices.
How many lasagna noodles are needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of lasagna noodles, cooked and drained.
Should I drain the meat after cooking?
Yes, after browning the ground beef or sausage, you should drain any excess oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it is baked in a dish, the description highlights the simplicity of using a single pot for boiling noodles to make cleanup easier.
How do I layer the lasagna?
Start with a thin layer of sauce, then noodles, then half the meat sauce, then half the mozzarella; repeat and finish with cheese.
Can I use Italian spices instead of just oregano?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano or a blend of Italian spices.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being fried with the garlic.
Do I need to salt the sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt to be stirred into the sauce.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden after the final 15 minutes of uncovered baking.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty family meal.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat oil in a large skillet and fry the minced garlic and chopped onion until softened.