Make Ahead Recipe for Italian Lasagna

Classic Italian Lasagna is one of those recipes that is a great crowd pleaser. Whether you want a make-ahead recipe that you can feed your family on week nights, or something that you can make ahead for holiday entertaining so that you can enjoy the party too, lasagne is one of those casseroles that you can trust. And, you won't break the bank either. Lasagna can be made to look very elegant, but is a good way to stretch your food dollars.

Italian lasagna can be made with meat, or vegetables or both. Although we love this classic meat lasagna, I also have a spinich lasagne recipe that is delicious. Vegetarian lasagna and other pasta casseroles are a smart way to give your family more veggies.

Here's one of our favorites, and I hope you'll like it too:


Classic Italian Meat Lasagna

1 pound ground beef (feel free to substitute lean ground chicken or turkey)
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove crushed garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
1 (1 pound) can diced or crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
8 ounce lasagna
1 pound ricotta cheese
8 ounce mozzarella cheese, shredded
or thinly sliced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In large heavy pan, lightly brown beef ,onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes , tomato paste, water, parsley, salt, pepper and oregano; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile cook lasagna noodles as directed on package; drain.

In 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spread about 1 cup sauce. Then alternate layers of lasagna, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ending with sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly browned and bubbling.

Allow to stand for 15 minutes; cut in squares to serve.

Makes 8 servings.

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