Imagine a dish that combines the rich, traditional flavors of Italian cuisine with a luxurious twist of artisan sheep's milk gouda - this isn't just any lasagna, this is a culinary experience that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet paradise! Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, succulent ground beef, creamy ricotta, and the distinctive tang of sheep's milk gouda create a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and become the star chef of your household with this irresistible Classic Lasagna recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded sheep's milk gouda
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 9 lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the lasagna noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then a third of the shredded sheep's milk gouda.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of meat sauce, 3 more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the sheep's milk gouda. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce on top, followed by the remaining noodles and the rest of the gouda cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Classic Lasagna with Sheep's Milk Gouda!
Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant flavors.
- Let your lasagna rest after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If sheep's milk gouda is hard to find, you can substitute with a sharp aged gouda.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy lasagna.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain texture.
- Cover with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For a crispy top, finish the last 15 minutes of baking without foil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
