Lasagna

I’ve made many versions of lasagna; Taco Lasagna and Nacho Lasagna to be precise, but sometimes I crave something a little more classic. A beef ragu and a creamy ricotta filling with a crust of cheese and sauce bubbling around the edges. So that’s exactly what I made last night. It’s simple like any lasagne, just a little assembly required and little cooking here and there.

Here’s what you’ll need for a 13×9 in lasagne dish

Beef Ragu:

1 pound ground beef

3 Tblspn oil

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 Tblspn crushed garlic

salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp chilli flakes

2 cups marinara sauce of your choice

Ricotta Mix:

1 15 oz jar ricotta

1 egg

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tblspn fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 t dried parsley)

1/2 tsp chilli flakes

For layering:

1 box lasagne sheets(I use the ready to bake ones)

1 jar marinara sauce

3-4 cups shredded mozzarella 

For the Beef Ragu start off by sautéing the beef, bell peppers and crushed garlic in the oil. Once the beef is cooked, add salt, black pepper, chilli flakes and marinara. Mix well and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Make sure to mix and check on it a few times to make sure it’s not burning or drying out. (Or use an instant pot!)

While the Ragu is simmering away mix all the ingredients for the ricotta mix in a small bowl.

Once the Ragu is cooked, it’s time to assemble the Lasagne. Start off by putting some Ragu and marinara on the bottom of your baking dish. (I like mixing some plain marinara into the Ragu to cut the concentrated flavour, but you can skip the plain marinara in the Ragu layer if you like) Then a layer of lasagne sheets. Then another layer of Ragu and marinara, then some mozzarella.

In the second layer spread out the lasagne sheets, then a thin layer of plain marinara sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mix and spread it out evenly. If you like extra cheese you can add some mozzarella to this layer too. Then repeat the Ragu layer as before, and then the last ricotta layer. After all the layers are complete I like adding a slightly thicker layer of mozzarella on top so once it bakes it becomes a nice golden brown.

Once you’re done layering you can bake the lasagne right away at 375F or refrigerate it for up to one day before you bake it. You can also freeze the lasagne, and bake it when needed. Baking times can vary according to your oven. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, which can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes.

Add to favorites