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Delicious Barilla Three Layer Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta and Meat Sauce
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that will impress your family and friends, then look no further! This Barilla® Three Layer Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta and Meat Sauce is not only delicious but also easy to make. With rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty layers, this lasagna is sure to become a go-to dish for any occasion. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and see what it takes to create this masterpiece!
What Ingredients are Needed for Barilla Lasagna Recipe?
Essential Ingredients for the Meat Sauce
When it comes to crafting a flavorful meat sauce for your lasagna, the ingredients you choose are crucial. For this Barilla lasagna recipe, you’ll need a pound of ground beef, which gives that rich, savory flavor. You can also opt for Italian sausage if you want to spice things up a bit. Other essential ingredients include a couple of cups of marinara sauce, diced onions, minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Don’t forget to season your sauce with salt and pepper to enhance all those delicious flavors!
What Cheese is Used in the Cheese Mixture?
The cheese mixture is what takes this lasagna to the next level. For a traditional three-layer lasagna, you’ll need a combination of ricotta cheese, which brings creaminess, and mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully. Aim for about one cup of ricotta and another cup of shredded mozzarella. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese as well! Mixing these cheeses together creates a delightful, gooey filling that complements the meat sauce perfectly.
Are There Specific Barilla Pasta Types to Use?
Yes! Barilla offers a variety of pasta options, but for this lasagna recipe, you’re going to want to grab their wavy lasagne sheets. These sheets are specifically designed to hold up to the layers of sauce and cheese without becoming overly soggy. Plus, they have a fantastic texture that adds to the overall dish. Make sure they’re made with non-GMO ingredients, just like all of Barilla’s pasta products, for a meal that you can feel good about serving.
Classic Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is one of those timeless comfort dishes that brings everyone to the table. This Barilla Lasagna recipe is rich, hearty, and layered with delicious pasta, creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and savory sauce. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a weekend treat, this lasagna will quickly become a household favorite! With Barilla’s no-boil lasagna sheets, you can save time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla oven-ready lasagna sheets
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) Barilla marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in dried oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. Once browned, drain excess fat.
- Add the sauce: Stir in Barilla marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach (if using), and ½ cup Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer Barilla oven-ready lasagna sheets over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the sheets, followed by more meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Baking Tips
- No need to boil the pasta: Barilla’s oven-ready lasagna sheets make it easy! They soften perfectly as they bake in the sauce.
- Add more veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding layers of sautéed zucchini or mushrooms along with the spinach.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes helps it hold its shape when sliced.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
| Serving Size | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 servings | 20 minutes | 40-45 minutes | 1 hour 5 mins |
How to Prepare the Meat Sauce for the Lasagna Recipe?
What is the Best Method to Cook Ground Beef?
To start, you’ll want to brown your ground beef in a large pan over medium heat. Use a bit of olive oil to grease the pan and prevent sticking. Stir the beef every few minutes until it’s fully cooked and browned. After that, drain any excess fat before adding in your onions and garlic. Let them simmer together until the onions are translucent, and you can smell that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
How to Flavor the Marinara Sauce?
Your marinara sauce is key to creating a rich flavor profile in your lasagna. After draining the ground beef, you can pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer. To amp up the flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and some fresh basil if you have it on hand. Let the sauce bubble away for about 10 minutes, allowing all those delicious ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Can Italian Sausage be Added to the Meat Sauce?
Absolutely! If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, feel free to mix in some Italian sausage with the ground beef. Just remember to remove the casing from the sausage before cooking. The combination of beef and sausage will create a hearty meat sauce that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste, making it even more delicious!
What is the Best Method to Layer the Wavy Lasagne?
How to Spread the Cheese Mixture Evenly?
Layering is the heart of creating a delicious lasagna, and it’s easier than it sounds! Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, lay down your first layer of wavy lasagne sheets. Next, take your cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the pasta using a spatula. This ensures that every bite contains that creamy goodness. Repeat the process until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of additional mozzarella cheese on top.
How Many Layers Should Be in the Lasagna?
For a classic three-layer lasagna, aim for three layers of noodles and two layers of meat sauce and cheese mixture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always add an extra layer! The key is to ensure that the layers are not too thick, so everything cooks evenly. You want each slice to be stable when you serve it, so balance is essential.
Tips for Arranging the Lasagne Sheets
When arranging your lasagne sheets, make sure they overlap slightly to create a solid base. This will help prevent any gaps where sauce could seep through, which could lead to a soggy dish. If the sheets seem too long for your baking dish, feel free to trim them down a bit! You want everything to fit snugly in your pan while still allowing for some bubbling room during the bake.
What are the Instructions for Baking the Lasagna?
How Long Should You Bake the Lasagna?
Once your lasagna is layered and ready to go, it’s time to bake it! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. This helps to keep the moisture in while the flavors meld together. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly, which is oh-so-satisfying!
When to Cover with Foil During Baking?
Covering your lasagna with foil in the beginning is crucial. It traps steam, which helps cook the noodles and keeps everything moist. However, be sure to remove the foil for the last part of the baking process to allow the cheese on top to melt and brown. A little bit of caramelization on the cheese gives your lasagna a beautiful finish and a delightful crunch!
How to Know When the Lasagna is Done?
The best way to check if your lasagna is done is by looking at the cheese! It should be bubbly and slightly golden brown. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out hot and the cheese is melted, you’re ready to go. Another telltale sign is the aroma wafting through your kitchen – it’s impossible to resist!
What are Tips for Serving the Best Lasagna?
How to Let the Lasagna Rest Before Serving?
Patience is key when it comes to serving lasagna. Once you remove it from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before digging in. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, as tempting as it might be to dive right in, letting it rest makes all the difference in presentation and taste!
What Sides Pair Well with Barilla Lasagna?
When it comes to sides, think fresh and light to balance the hearty nature of lasagna. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish beautifully. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing; who can resist that buttery goodness? You could even consider some steamed vegetables for a healthy touch!
How to Store Leftover Lasagna?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing them is a breeze. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat in the oven until heated through. It’s like having a comforting meal ready at your fingertips!
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