How to Make American Lasagna - A Step-by-Step Guide

American Lasagna is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a staple in households across the United States. This hearty and flavorful casserole is made with layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. It's a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

One of the things that makes American Lasagna so special is its versatility. While traditional Italian...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 12 dry lasagna noodles
  • 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 9x13-inch dish

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes; drain fat.
  • Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and oregano. Simmer meat sauce, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Lay noodles flat on towels; blot dry.
  • Mix together ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
  • Layer 1/3 of the noodles in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture.
  • Cover the ricotta mixture with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of the meat sauce.
  • Repeat. Top with remaining noodles and meat sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    664 cal.

    • Total Fat: 30g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Cholesterol: 168mg
    • Sodium: 1900mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 48g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 51g
    • Vitamin C: 23mg
    • Calcium: 759mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 872mg