Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of an Italian kitchen! This "Lasagne ala Ouma Marie" is not just a recipe—it's a love letter to traditional comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. With layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this lasagne promises to be the star of your dining table, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet. Add marinara sauce and stir to combine. Simmer the meat sauce for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Layer the lasagna as follows: - First layer of noodles - Spread ricotta cheese mixture - Add meat sauce - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese Repeat layering two more times.
- For the final top layer, ensure mozzarella and Parmesan cheese cover the entire surface completely.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips
- Always drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy lasagne.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Let the lasagne rest for 15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to your ricotta mixture.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Use fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for the most creamy and authentic texture.
- Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 443kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 127mg
