A Classic Beef Lasagna with Garlic Bread Love Affair

This dish is a family favorite for a reason. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd (or for creating delicious leftovers!), and sure to bring smiles to the table. So, gather your loved ones, crank up the oven, and get ready to create a homemade feast that will be remembered.

Here’s what you’ll need to weave your lasagna magic:

• For the Beef Symphony:
  • 1 pound ground beef (ready to unleash its savory potential)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped (like a tiny flavor bomb)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (get ready for that fragrant punch)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (the base of our flavorful sauce)
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste (to add richness and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that classic Italian touch)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (another fragrant friend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season with love!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to get the party started)

• For the Creamy Dream:
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (the foundation of our creamy goodness)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because cheese makes everything better)
  • 1 egg (to bind everything together)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a touch of brightness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (season to your heart’s content)

• Lasagna Assembly Brigade:
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions (the base of our lasagna kingdom)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (stretchy, melty heaven)

• Garlic Bread Symphony:
  • 1 French baguette, sliced (ready for its garlicky transformation)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (spread the love!)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (more fragrant magic)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for an extra pop of flavor)
  • Salt to taste (because everything deserves a sprinkle)

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and create some lasagna magic!

• Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Stage: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be the battlefield where your lasagna masterpiece comes to life.

• Craft the Beef Symphony: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened. This is where the base of your flavorful sauce is born. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its fragrance fill the air. Now comes the star – the ground beef! Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it goes. Drain any excess fat, because nobody likes a greasy lasagna. Finally, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a harmonious symphony.

• Whip Up the Creamy Dream: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a smooth and creamy concoction. This will be the luxurious layer that takes your lasagna to the next level.

• Assemble the Lasagna Masterpiece: Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. This is the foundation upon which your lasagna kingdom will be built. Next, lay down a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, like stepping stones across a delicious river. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, ending with a final layer of beef sauce and a glorious crown of mozzarella cheese.

• Bake Your Creation to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to start setting. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The sight (and

Tips:

• Brown the Beef: For extra flavor, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. Cook it in batches if necessary, to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the meat sauce simmer for 10 minutes allows the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
• Prevent Mushy Noodles: Cook your lasagna noodles according to package instructions, but al dente (slightly firm to the bite). They will continue to cook in the oven and become perfectly tender.
• Avoid a Leaky Lasagna: If your lasagna noodles are very thin, consider using a little less sauce on the bottom layer to prevent a soggy bottom.

Cooking Time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (10 minutes).
2. Craft the Beef Symphony: Heat olive oil, cook onion (5 minutes), add garlic (1 minute), brown beef (5-7 minutes), simmer sauce (10 minutes) (Total: 26-27 minutes).
3. Whip Up the Creamy Dream: Combine ricotta mixture (5 minutes).
4. Assemble the Lasagna Masterpiece: Layer lasagna (should be quick).
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes (Total baking time: 40 minutes). Total cook time (excluding prep): 1 hour 5-7 minutes.
6. Garlic Bread: While the lasagna bakes for the final 15 minutes, prepare and bake your garlic bread (10-15 minutes).

The sight (and smell!) of your golden brown, bubbly lasagna will tell you it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set, and then slice and enjoy with your garlicky bread companions!