Lasagna Recipe

This classic lasagna brings together layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles for a heartwarming and delicious dish. Perfect for a family gathering or meal prep, this recipe offers a balance of flavors with just the right amount of seasoning. The combination of ground beef, marinara, and cheeses creates a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients (Servings: 12 slices)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 24 oz marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
• 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
• 15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)

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Instructions

How to Make Meat Sauce:

1. In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium/high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and the diced onion.
2. Sauté the beef and onions, breaking up the meat, for about 5 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the ¼ cup red wine (or beef broth) and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate.
5. Stir in the 3 cups marinara sauce, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, ¼ tsp thyme, ½ tsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp parsley.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

How to Make Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 16 oz cottage cheese, 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1 egg, and 2 Tbsp parsley.
2. Stir the mixture until well combined and smooth.

How to Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the 9 lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a deep 9×13 casserole dish.
4. Add 3 noodles to create the first layer. Spread on ⅓ of the meat sauce, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Spoon and spread ½ of the cheese sauce over the mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times:

• Add 3 noodles, ⅓ of the meat sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining ½ of the cheese sauce.
• Add the final 3 noodles, the remaining ⅓ meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

1. Insert 9-12 toothpicks across the surface of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and broil the top for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
4. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:

• Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 30 minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Wine Substitute: If you don’t want to use wine, beef broth works just as well to deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and bake it just before serving. It also freezes well if you want to prep it in advance!

This classic lasagna is the perfect combination of meaty, cheesy goodness with tender noodles in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite!