Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This American Beauty Lasagna recipe offers a classic twist on the traditional Italian favorite, layering rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Easy to make in just 6 simple steps, this classic lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave warm, satisfying comfort food.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of American Beauty Lasagna
- Classic Comfort Food: This recipe combines all the familiar flavors of a traditional lasagna, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, delivering that warm, satisfying feeling every bite.
- Easy to Follow: The recipe breaks down the process into 6 simple steps, making it accessible for beginners and busy cooks.
- Versatile and Customizable: From vegetarian to gluten-free versions, the recipe can be adapted to fit many dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, holiday, or party, this lasagna always pleases a crowd.
- Great for Meal Prep: Lasagna tastes even better the next day, making leftovers perfect for reheating and saving time.
Ingredients for American Beauty Lasagna
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (for hearty flavor)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (adds a spicy kick)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ricotta Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese (creamy layers)
- 1 egg (binds the mixture)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tip: Prepare all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.
How to Make American Beauty Lasagna
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned (8-10 minutes). Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3 minutes), then stir in minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally for deep flavor.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Finish with mozzarella on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil (shiny side down). Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes for a crispy top if desired.
6. Rest and Serve
Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with garlic bread and fresh salad.
Expert Tips and Creative Variations
Pro Tips:
- Simmer sauce at least 30 minutes for full flavor.
- Use fresh whole-milk ricotta for creamy texture.
- Spread fillings evenly for best bite balance.
- Rest lasagna before cutting for clean slices.
- Cover with foil during early baking to keep moist.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or thin zucchini slices.
- Cheese Lover’s: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
- Seafood: Swap meat for shrimp and scallops with creamy white sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Your American Beauty Lasagna
Now that your lasagna is fresh out of the oven, it’s time to think about how to serve it! The right sides and pairings can elevate this dish even further, creating a full meal that will impress your family or guests. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your American Beauty Lasagna even more memorable.
1. Fresh and Crisp Salad
A light, refreshing salad is the perfect balance to the rich, cheesy lasagna. Opt for a green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness. Consider these options:
- Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy Caesar dressing.
- Mediterranean Salad: Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Arugula and Parmesan Salad: Simple and elegant with peppery arugula and shaved Parmesan tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
2. Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette
You can’t go wrong with garlic bread to accompany your lasagna. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Here are a few variations to try:
- Classic Garlic Bread: Spread butter and minced garlic on a baguette, then toast until golden.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella to your garlic bread for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Herbed Breadsticks: Soft, flavorful breadsticks brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables bring a lovely, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with lasagna’s rich taste. Here are a few easy choices:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots: Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender.
- Garlic-Parmesan Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, then roast until crispy and golden.
- Oven-Roasted Zucchini: Slice zucchini and toss it in olive oil and Italian seasoning for a simple, healthy side.
4. A Sweet Finale: Dessert Ideas
After your hearty lasagna, a sweet dessert can be the perfect ending to the meal. Consider these delicious options:
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Cannoli: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
- Gelato: If you’re craving something lighter, serve a scoop of rich Italian gelato in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio.
With these serving suggestions, your American Beauty Lasagna will be the star of the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or preparing a cozy dinner for two, these sides and pairings will elevate your meal and create an unforgettable experience. Happy dining!
American Beauty Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef for hearty flavor
- 1 lb Italian sausage adds a spicy kick
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 6 oz cans tomato paste
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese creamy layers
- 1 egg binds the mixture
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked al dente
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pro Tip: Prep all ingredients before starting for a smooth stress-free cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned (8-10 minutes). Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3 minutes), then stir in minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and Parmesan. Mix well until smooth and creamy — perfect for layering.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel to avoid sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used up. Finish with mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil (shiny side down). Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil 2-3 minutes watching carefully.
Rest and Serve
- Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for clean layers. Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Notes
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 9g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Calcium: 350mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Making American Beauty Lasagna
We know you’re excited to try making this delicious lasagna, but you might have a few questions. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some frequently asked questions to help make your cooking experience even easier.
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. To make ahead, assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the cooking instructions.
2. How can I freeze leftover lasagna?
If you have leftovers (or if you want to make a second batch for later), lasagna freezes wonderfully. After assembling the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw it—just add 15-20 minutes to the baking time and you’re good to go!
3. Can I use a different type of meat in this lasagna?
Definitely! While this recipe calls for ground beef and Italian sausage, you can customize it to your liking. Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
4. What kind of cheese should I use for lasagna?
The key cheeses for lasagna are ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, but feel free to get creative with your cheese choices. You could add provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a unique twist. The important thing is to use cheeses that melt well and complement the other flavors in the dish.
5. How do I avoid soggy lasagna?
Nobody likes a soggy lasagna! Here are a few tips to ensure yours stays nice and firm:
Don’t over-sauce the layers. Too much sauce can make the noodles soggy.
Use al dente noodles. This ensures they will hold their shape and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
Rest the lasagna for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and prevents everything from falling apart when you slice it.
6. Can I make a vegetarian version of this lasagna?
Yes, you can easily turn this into a delicious vegetarian lasagna by replacing the meat with vegetables. You can use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite veggies. Add extra ricotta or even a béchamel sauce to keep the dish creamy and satisfying.
7. How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place a slice on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quick and easy meal.
8. Can I make lasagna without ricotta?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of ricotta or just don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a béchamel sauce. Each option will provide a slightly different texture, but they’ll all work wonderfully in the layers.
We hope these answers make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or just getting started, this American Beauty Lasagna is a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with friends and family!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This American Beauty Lasagna
This American Beauty Lasagna recipe combines classic flavors and easy steps to bring comfort food right to your table. With its rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta layers, and perfectly melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that pleases every palate and suits any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this lasagna offers a satisfying, hearty meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade comfort food, one cheesy, flavorful bite at a time!
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