Golden Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Golden Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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Ingredients:

For the Lasagna:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and Béchamel sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used.
  5. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
  • To make the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Enjoy your homemade Golden Lasagna Casserole!

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