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Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella

A slice of Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with melted mozzarella cheese and rich meat sauce.
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A simple and delicious lasagna recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a rich meat sauce and layers of cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 Carrot
  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 14 oz Mozzarella Cheese sliced or shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 8 oz Dry Lasagna Sheets

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bolognese Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and carrot until softened. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until meat is browned.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 30 minutes, covered.
  3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread ⅓ of the bolognese sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with lasagna sheets.
  5. Spoon ½ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and top with mozzarella. Add another layer of pasta, then ⅓ of the bolognese sauce, followed by pasta and the remaining ricotta with more mozzarella.
  6. Add a final layer of pasta, top with the remaining bolognese sauce, and add mozzarella slices.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for extra flavor or heat.
  • Distribute sauce, cheese, and pasta evenly for best results.
  • Grease foil before covering to prevent cheese from sticking.
  • Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking for a crispy, golden-brown cheese topping, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • The casserole can be assembled a day ahead. Bring to room temperature before baking or add 10-15 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, lasagna casserole, easy weeknight dinner, family meal, meat sauce, quick dinner

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/easy-weeknight-lasagna-bake-mozzarella/