CHEESY BEEF LASAGNA🍖🧀
❗Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the béchamel sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
❗Instructions:
Prepare the lasagna noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the beef filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of noodles, followed by a portion of the béchamel sauce, then ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a top layer of noodles and béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
