Mouthwatering lasagna recipe: Perfect for Family Dinner
Have you ever tasted a dish that made your taste buds dance with joy? One that made you savor every bite because of its deliciousness? If not, look no further than the American Beauty Lasagna Recipe.
This recipe is a classic in my household, tried and tested over the years, and has yet to disappoint even the pickiest of eaters. Every bite contains a mouthful of savory flavors that combine perfectly with the textures. It is a dish that is sure to leave everyone satisfied.
Not only is it one of the most delectable pasta dishes I have ever made, but it also saves me time when making it. With convenience in mind, instead of cooking lasagna noodles separately, we use oven-ready lasagna in this recipe. This makes the entire process easier while still creating a dish that will wow your dinner guests.
In this article, I will share with you all my tips and tricks for creating the perfect American Beauty Lasagna. All you need is an 8-ounce box of oven-ready lasagna noodles, 1 pound of hamburger browned and drained, 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, and some mozzarella cheese – this recipe food.com’s Paula Deen adaptation couldn’t be easier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a classic and easy-to-make dish that will please everyone at your next dinner party? Look no further than the American Beauty Lasagna Recipe! This is a recipe that you will not regret trying out, and here are just a few reasons why.
First of all, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. It serves 9-11 people and can easily be doubled or even tripled if needed. Plus, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find at your local grocery store, so it won’t break the bank either.
Secondly, this lasagna recipe is super versatile. You can easily switch up the recipe by adding in different ingredients or making substitutions. For example, you could add Italian sausage or mushrooms to the meat sauce, or use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese in the filling.
Thirdly, this recipe is stress-free and practically foolproof. The oven-ready lasagna noodles cook up perfectly without any fuss or hassle, so you don’t have to worry about boiling traditional lasagna noodles beforehand. And because this is a classic American-style lasagna recipe, there’s no need to worry about using exotic ingredients or complicated cooking techniques.
Lastly, this American Beauty Lasagna Recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser. Whenever I make this dish for my friends and family, it always receives rave reviews! It’s comforting and hearty, yet also packs in plenty of flavorful spices like dried parsley and oregano.
In short, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this recipe for American Beauty Lasagna. From its simplicity and affordability to its delicious taste and guaranteed popularity with your dinner guests, you won’t regret giving it a try at your next party or family gathering. So go ahead – give in to temptation and try out this irresistible lasagna recipe today!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this tasty American Beauty Lasagna recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package Italian sausage (4 oz)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- a pinch of black pepper
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (oven-ready)
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
You can easily find these ingredients at your nearest supermarket, or you can order them online at Walmart.com or Food.com. Always check that you have all the items you need before starting to prepare the recipe in order to ensure the best result.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First off, we need to brown the hamburger. We’ll use one pound of hamburger and cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, be sure to break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook it until it is nicely browned.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste and Spaghetti Sauce
Once the ground beef is browned, add one can of tomato paste (6 oz) and two cans spaghetti sauce (each 6 oz) to the skillet. Mix them all together and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
While the sauce simmers, add seasonings for flavoring. I’d recommend two teaspoons of dried parsley, however feel free to make any other adjustments or additions based on your taste preference.
Step 4: Mix Ricotta Cheese and Cottage Cheese
In a separate mixing bowl, mix together one cup of ricotta cheese and one and a half cups of cottage cheese. You can add in some grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 6: Layer Lasagna Noodles and Meat Sauce
Spread an even layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish (9 x 13 inch). Lay lasagna noodles, enough to cover the bottom completely without overlapping or leaving any gaps, over the top of the meat sauce.
Then, spread an even layer of ricotta and cottage cheese mixture on top of the lasagna noodles.
Repeat these layers twice more: meat sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta/cottage cheese mixture.
Finish by covering everything with remaining meat sauce on top.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella/Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over until everything is coated with cheese evenly.
Step 8: Bake At 375°F For About an Hour
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil or lid, then place in oven. Bake at 375°F degree oven for about an hour or until lasagna is bubbly and golden brown in color
That’s all there is to it! Serve and enjoy your delicious American Beauty Lasagna Recipe, knowing that you created something fantastic from scratch without cutting corners!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up this classic beauty lasagna recipe? Luckily, there are many substitutions and variations to try out!
For the meat lovers out there, try swapping out the hamburger with some Italian sausage instead. The spicy kick will add a whole new level of flavor to your lasagna. You could also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using soy crumbles or diced mushrooms in place of the meat. You could also add some spinach or zucchini for some extra veggies.
For the cheese mixture, ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese if you prefer a less creamy texture. You can also mix both of them for added texture variation. If you don’t like mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar or gouda cheese for a different taste.
Don’t have any American Beauty oven-ready lasagna noodles? That’s okay! You can use regular lasagna noodles that have been cooked before assembling the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Looking for another way to mix things up? Try adding some pesto sauce to your meat sauce mixture! It brings a great tangy and herby flavor that compliments the cheesy goodness.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, your American Beauty Lasagna will still be a crowd-pleaser. Be adventurous and experiment with different ingredients until you achieve the perfect recipe for your palate.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, it’s time to dive into the deliciousness that is the American Beauty Lasagna. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for seconds. When it’s all cooked up and looking gorgeous, I like to let it cool off for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Trust me, this gives every ingredient the chance to mingle and create a tasty harmony.
Now, to pair with this lovely lasagna, I love to keep things simple yet satisfying. A crisp, fresh green salad never goes amiss. I usually toss some mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and maybe some red onion rings. For the dressing, a light vinaigrette or lemon-garlic dressing can be perfect.
If you prefer something warm on the side, garlic bread is always a good choice! Just slice a baguette in half lengthwise or use sliced bread if you prefer. You can spread some butter and minced garlic on top then put it in the preheated oven until browned and crispy.
To round out the meal, a good bottle of red wine can never go wrong. A Chianti or Zinfandel would complement the bold flavors of the lasagna quite nicely.
So there you have it – a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table blissfully satisfied. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?” Yes, you can! Actually, letting the lasagna sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight can enhance its flavor. You can assemble the lasagna one day before baking it and let it chill in the fridge until ready to bake. Preparing this recipe ahead of time is not only convenient but also allows you to focus on other party preparations.
For storing leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely before covering it with cling wrap or an airtight container. This will prevent drying out and keep it fresh for longer periods. You can also place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating your American Beauty Lasagna, you have different options. I recommend reheating individual portions by microwaving them for a minute or so until heated through. If you want to reheat the entire dish, cover it with tin foil and heat it in a preheated oven at 350F until heated through (about 30-40 minutes depending on your oven).
As with any pasta recipe, reheating isn’t quite as good as having it straight out of the oven, but trust me: this recipe is still delicious even after reheating!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is all about getting the best flavors and amazing results. When you’re making American Beauty Lasagna, it’s important to remember a few critical tips that can elevate the taste of your dish.
One way to make the lasagna tastier is by using fresh herbs instead of dried parsley. Dried parsley is a great option if you’re short on time, but it won’t give that fresh and aromatic flavor to your dish that fresh herbs do.
Make sure to let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese melt more evenly and blend throughout the lasagna, giving a consistent flavor in every bite.
To get brown and crispy cheese on top, turn on the broiler during the last few minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it as the cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
Another important tip is to cook your lasagna noodles al dente. This means they will be slightly firm in texture when you bite on them. Overcooked or mushy noodles can ruin the entire dish, so make sure you follow instructions and keep an eye on them while they cook.
Lastly, try using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a perfect balance of creamy and nutty flavors in your lasagna.
By following these tips, you’ll surely end up with an American Beauty Lasagna that’s irresistible and loved by everyone.
FAQ
Now, let’s turn to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the American Beauty Lasagna Recipe. As with any recipe, there may be some points that are not entirely clear or certain details that you may need clarification on. To help you prepare this delicious meal with confidence and ease, I have put together a list of the most common questions I have received from readers, along with detailed answers and recommendations based on my own experience. So, whether you are cooking this dish for the first time or have made it before and want to refine your technique, keep reading to find helpful tips and suggestions!
Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?
When it comes to choosing between ricotta cheese and cottage cheese for lasagna, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types of cheese can be used in homemade lasagna, and the end result will still be a delicious and satisfying meal. If you prefer a lighter lasagna, then cottage cheese is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a thicker and more rich texture, then opt for ricotta cheese instead.
How does Ina Garten layer lasagna?
Alright, let’s start building our delicious and hearty pasta dish by grabbing a 9 by 12 by 2-inch rectangular baking dish. First, we need to create a base layer of sauce by ladling 1/3 of it onto the bottom of the dish and spreading it evenly. Then, we need to layer the pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, and another 1/3 of sauce in that order. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients – pasta, mozzarella, ricotta – and the final 1/3 of sauce. This will ensure that all the flavors are perfectly distributed and each bite is heavenly.
What is the best order to layer lasagna?
To begin, grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom. Next, take some cooked lasagna noodles and create a single layer on top of the sauce. After that, it’s time to spread a layer of a luscious ricotta cheese mixture followed by an even layer of meat sauce. Repeat these aforementioned layers two more times to give your dish a perfect balance of flavors.
As you reach the final layer, top the lasagna with another layer of noodles, sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and finally, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on the very top. And voila! Your lasagna is now ready to be baked up to perfection!
How do you make Paula Deen’s lasagna?
To make this delicious lasagna recipe, you will need a cup of grated Gruyere cheese, 12 ounces of cottage cheese mixed with one beaten egg and half a cup of Parmesan. You will also need six to nine long strips of lasagna noodles. For the meat filling, you will need one and a half pounds of ground beef, two bay leaves, one and a half teaspoons of sugar, one and a half teaspoons of Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt, and one and a half teaspoons of Paula Deen’s House Seasoning.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the American Beauty Lasagna recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that will impress your guests at any gathering. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredient options, this recipe can be adapted to fit any taste preference. From the flavorful meat sauce to the creamy cheese layers, every bite of this lasagna is unforgettable.
I highly recommend this recipe for anyone who loves comfort food and wants to bring some Italian-American cuisine to their table. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe is accessible and enjoyable to make. So, grab your ingredients and serve up some American Beauty Lasagna at your next party or family dinner. You won’t regret it!
American Beauty Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 -11 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 lb hamburger, browned
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package spaghetti sauce mix
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 4 (6 ounce) cans water
- 24 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles as directed.
- Brown hamburger.
- Add spaghetti mix, tomato paste and water to the browned hamburger.
- Mix well and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While sauce is cooking, mix cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and parsley together.
- Layer sauce, noodles and cheese mixture in this order in a 9 x 13 baking dish. End with sauce on the top.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and place in a 350 oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!