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Lasagna Without Ricotta

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This lasagna without ricotta uses a creamy béchamel sauce in place of ricotta, offering a smooth, rich texture that pairs perfectly with layers of savory meat sauce, pasta, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty dish ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then add ground meat, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring constantly until the béchamel sauce thickens and is smooth.
  8. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then more meat sauce, béchamel, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  9. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and shredded cheese on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use oven-ready noodles to skip boiling.
  • Let the lasagna rest before slicing to help layers set.
  • You can substitute a quality jarred tomato sauce to save time.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for future meals.

Nutrition