Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a bubbling, cheesy lasagna out of the oven, knowing that each bite is layered with rich flavors and love. Let’s dive into crafting this hearty classic that promises to fill both your stomach and your soul.

Virginia’s Easy Lasagna
Virginia’s Easy Lasagna is a classic, and for good reason: its richness and simplicity make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The recipe combines hearty ground beef with a chopped onion and garlic sautéed to fragrant perfection; a spice blend of oregano and basil completes the meat sauce.

Then comes the cheese: layers of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan balance the comforting meat sauce beneath them. Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes dipped in water make for a sauce that’s not too runny but still slathers and drapes nicely.

Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: High in protein, adds hearty flavor.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants, enhances taste.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity, adds depth and aroma.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C, provides natural sweetness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture, source of calcium and protein.
• Lasagna Noodles: Uncooked, supply carbohydrates for energy.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds protein and calcium.

Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make this Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe

1. Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a big skillet, prepare the ground beef, onion, and garlic in the medium heat until they are browned and soft. Drain excess fat, if you have any.

3. Mix in the salt, pepper, and spices. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Simmer sauce for about 15 minutes.

4. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

5.
1. In the bottom of a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches, spread out 1 cup of meat sauce.

6. Place layer 1/3 of the uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. The noodles should not overlap.

7. Half of the ricotta cheese mixture should be spread over the noodles, and then it will be followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of the meat sauce.

8. Continue layering until you have completed the process, finishing with one last layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

9. Take a piece of aluminum foil and cover the dish completely with it. Next, place the dish in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the dish to bake for 25 minutes.

10. Take off the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Medium bowl
4. Baking dish (9×13 inches)
5. Stove
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
11. Garlic press or mincer
12. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?A: Yes, ground turkey can serve as a substitute for beef in a lighter version.
• Q: Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling the dish?A: No, this recipe uses noodles that are not cooked, which will be cooked in the sauce during the baking process.
• Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?A: Yes, you can put together the lasagna one day prior and chill it until you are ready to place it in the oven.
• Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?A: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Q: Can I freeze leftovers?A: There is no question that leftover lasagna can be frozen safely for future consumption. The casserole can go into an airtight container or freezer bag and, depending on how much of it exists, can be laid flat or stored upright in your freezer. If either of those options sounds ludicrous to you, I can tell you that I froze leftover lasagna for a good four months, and it tasted nearly as good as the first time around. The key to preserving lasagna is freezing it in an airtight manner. If the dish gets too much air as it sits at subzero temps, a phenomenon called freezer burn will degrade the quality of the lasagna.
• Q: How can I prevent the top layer of cheese from burning?A: During the first 30-40 minutes of baking, cover the lasagna with foil to keep the cheese from burning. Remove the foil to allow the top to brown.

Virginias Easy Lasagna Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turmeric: Use ground ginger, ground cumin, or ground cardamom instead. Substitute equal amounts (if using ginger or cumin, you may want to use a bit less, as both are quite potent).
Cottage cheese: Substitute this lighter cheese for ricotta. If you want a lighter, dairy-free alternative, use vegan ricotta.
Noodles for lasagna: Employ no-boil lasagna noodles to reduce cooking time, or substitute thin slices of zucchini for a low-carb version.
Parmesan cheese: Substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste; use nutritional yeast for a non-dairy alternative.
Dairy-free mozzarella cheese: Choose a mozzarella substitute that is dairy-free to meet dietary restrictions.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Sauce Flavor For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the meat sauce. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor.

2. Noodle Preparation Tip Soak the uncooked lasagna noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes before layering. This helps them soften slightly and ensures even cooking in the oven.

3. Cheese Layering Technique For an extra creamy texture, mix a handful of mozzarella directly into the ricotta, egg, and Parmesan mixture. This will create a gooey, cheesy middle layer.

4. Fresh Herb Boost If available, add some fresh basil or parsley between layers or as a garnish on top after baking. Fresh herbs brighten and enhance the dish.

5. Rest Before Serving Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.