Craving a mouthwatering lasagna that won't break the bank? Get ready to discover "Momma's Poor Man's Lasagne" - the ultimate comfort food that proves delicious doesn't have to be expensive! This budget-friendly twist on the classic Italian favorite will have your family begging for seconds without emptying your wallet. Packed with layers of cheesy goodness, hearty ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that tastes like a million bucks but costs just pennies.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure a rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- 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 ground beef and return to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing the bottom and sides with cooking spray or butter.
- Begin layering the lasagna: spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add half of the meat sauce mixture on top of the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining meat sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, place the last 3 noodles on top, cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on the very top layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and prevent a greasy lasagna. Drain thoroughly after browning.
- Cheese Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, let the ricotta mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before layering to allow flavors to meld.
- No-Boil Hack: If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the preparation process.
- Prevent Sticking: Always spread a thin sauce layer at the bottom of the dish to ensure your lasagna doesn't stick.
- Resting is Key: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting much easier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This lasagna freezes beautifully. Prepare it in advance and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Leftover Love: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of extra marinara to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
