This beef lasagna recipe is a dish of Italian origin, composed of sheets of pasta interspersed with layers of sauce and cheese, which is baked until the cheese melts and gratinates on top. The sauce is usually made with ground beef, although vegetarian or vegan variations can also be made, and the cheese used can be mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta or a combination of several types. In addition to meat, the sauce may contain other ingredients such as tomato, onion, garlic, basil and oregano, among others. Lasagna is a very tasty and filling dish, which is usually a hit at family meals and gatherings with friends.
Beef Lasagna Recipe
Beef lasagna is a classic dish of Italian cuisine that combines sheets of soft pasta with a delicious blend of ground beef, tomato sauce, and layers of creamy cheeses. This recipe is made by cooking meat with onion, garlic and spices, then alternating layers of pasta, meat and a mixture of ricotta, egg and Parmesan cheese. Finally, it is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please the entire family.
7
Portions20
minute30
minute600
kcalIngredients:
12 sheets of Lasagna
500 grams of ground beef
1 unit of large chopped onion
3 cloves chopped garlic
1 can of crushed tomato (400 grams)
2 Tablespoons of Tomato paste
1 tablespoon of oregano
1 tablespoon of basil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 coup of Ricotta cheese
1 unit of egg
1/2 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 coup of grated mozzarella cheese
oliva oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until golden. Drain excess fat.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt and black pepper. Mix well and cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg and Parmesan cheese.
- In a rectangular baking dish, place a layer of lasagna sheets. Add a layer of the meat mixture and cover with a layer of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of lasagna sheets.
Cover with the grated mozzarella cheese. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Pre-cook the lasagna sheets: Follow the package instructions to cook the lasagna sheets before assembling the lasagna. This will ensure that the pasta cooks properly during the baking time and prevents it from being raw.
- Season the meat well: Add enough seasonings and spices to the ground beef while cooking to enhance its flavor. In addition to oregano, basil, salt and pepper, you can experiment with other seasonings such as thyme, rosemary or paprika to add more depth of flavor
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat before adding the tomato sauce. This will help reduce the fat content and prevent the lasagna from becoming too oily.
- Add even layers: For a well-balanced lasagna, evenly distribute the layers of lasagna sheets, meat, and cheese mixture. This will ensure that each bite has a proper combination of all the ingredients
- Cover with aluminum foil: When baking the lasagna, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out or burning. Then, remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
- Let it rest before serving: After removing the lasagna from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to cut and serve individual portions.
Nutritional information
- Calories 600kcal
- Carbohydrates 40g
- Protein 35g
- Fat 30g
- Saturated fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber 5g
- Sugar 7g
Beef Lasagna as a Tasty and Healthy Option
Beef lasagna is a classic dish that combines sheets of soft pasta, seasoned ground beef, and layers of creamy cheeses. This recipe, in addition to being delicious, can offer health benefits when you choose the right ingredients and follow a balanced diet.
First of all, beef lasagna is an excellent source of protein. Ground beef provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in our body. Protein also helps keep us fuller for longer, which can be beneficial for controlling appetite and maintaining a healthy weight.
Additionally, this recipe can be a tasty way to incorporate vegetables and herbs into our diet. Onion and garlic added to ground beef add aromatic flavor and also offer health benefits. These ingredients contain bioactive compounds and antioxidants that can help strengthen our immune system and reduce the risk of disease.
Beef lasagna can also be a source of calcium and other nutrients from the cheeses used in the recipe.
Ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese provide calcium, which is essential for bone health. Additionally, these cheeses can be a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin A, and protein.
It is important to note that to enjoy the health benefits of this recipe, you need to moderate portions and make conscious choices in terms of ingredients and cooking methods. Opting for lean beef and using low-fat cheeses can help reduce the saturated fat and calorie content in lasagna.
Conclussion
Beef lasagna can be a tasty and healthy option when prepared with the right ingredients and consumed in moderation. This recipe can provide proteins, vitamins and minerals, in addition to being a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into our diet. As with any food, it is recommended to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Other data of interest
If you want to add an extra touch to your beef lasagna recipe, consider these suggestions:
- Additional Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to the meat mixture to increase the fiber and nutrient content. For example, you can add chopped spinach, grated carrots, or diced peppers to the meat sauce to give it more color and flavor.
- Layer of vegetables: To make the lasagna even more nutritious, you can sandwich layers of vegetables between the layers of pasta and meat. For example, you can use thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of some traditional lasagna sheets.
- Fresh herbs: If you have access to fresh herbs, you can add a touch of freshness and aroma to lasagna. At the end of cooking, sprinkle basil leaves or chopped parsley over the lasagna before serving.
- Cheese Variations: If you want to experiment with flavors, you can try different types of cheese in lasagna. In addition to the cheeses mentioned in the recipe, consider adding cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, or gouda cheese to add variety of flavors.
- Sides: Beef lasagna can be served with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or a plate of steamed vegetables can complement the dish very well. You can also consider serving the lasagna with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread.
Remember to adapt the quantities and proportions according to your personal preferences and the dietary needs of your family. Have fun experimenting and enjoy delicious homemade lasagna!
And there you have it, a delicious lasagna ready to enjoy!
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Image credit: freepik
