Recipe for Lasagna

Description

This small dish lasagna recipe is a delightful, scaled-down version of the classic, ideal for intimate dinners. It layers no-boil lasagna noodles with a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Each bite offers a comforting taste of traditional Italian cuisine, baked to perfection in a compact dish that serves two generously. It's a simple yet elegant meal that promises all the flavors of a traditional lasagna without the fuss.

Ingredients

• No-boil lasagna noodles
• Ground beef (about 1 cup)
• Onion (1 small, diced)
• Garlic cloves (2, minced)
• Olive oil
• Crushed tomatoes (about 1 cup)
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Parmesan cheese (a handful, grated)
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Meat Sauce:
   • Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it's browned and no longer pink.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to combine the flavors, then set aside.
3. Mix Ricotta Layer:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix well until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Assemble Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your small baking dish to prevent sticking.
   • Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit the dish.
   • Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella on top.
   • Add another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce), ending with a final layer of noodles. Top the last layer of noodles with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and some additional Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
   • Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your cozy, homemade small dish lasagna!