
Lasagna is one of the most beloved and traditional dishes in Italian cuisine, but it has also earned a special place on Brazilian tables. The version with minced meat is undoubtedly one of the most popular, as it is tasty, easy to make and pleases everyone. When time is short and you want to prepare a delicious meal for family or friends, simple ground beef lasagna is a great choice!
We will teach you how to make one simple ground beef lasagna, without complications, with easy-to-find ingredients and quick preparation, but which will guarantee you a meal full of flavor and affection.
Ingredients:
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 package of pre-cooked lasagna noodles (approximately 500 g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 can of tomato sauce (340 g)
- 1/2 cup water
- 200 g sliced ham
- 200 g sliced mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Oregano and basil to taste (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Preparing the meat sauce:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and no more liquid is released. Season with salt, black pepper and, if desired, a little oregano or basil for a touch of flavor. - Adding the tomato sauce:
When the meat is well browned, add the tomato sauce and water. Mix well, reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick and flavorful. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning if necessary. - Assembling the lasagna:
In a rectangular baking dish (or any other dish of your choice), start assembling the lasagna. Make a layer with a little meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent the pasta from sticking. Then, place a layer of pre-cooked lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, a layer of sliced ham and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. - Finishing and gratinating:
If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor and crunchiness. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes. After this time, remove the aluminum foil and let it brown for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. - Serving:
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep the layers firm and makes cutting easier. Serve warm with a fresh salad or white rice for a delicious, comforting meal!
Extra Tips:
- Lasagna pasta: Pre-cooked pasta makes preparation easier and saves time, but if you prefer, you can use traditional pasta. In this case, you will need to cook the lasagna sheets in salted water for a few minutes before assembling.
- Variety of cheeses: For a richer flavor, you can mix cheeses like prato cheese, cheddar cheese or even ricotta into the filling.
- White sauce: For an even creamier lasagna, add a layer of white sauce (béchamel) between the layers of meat and cheese. This will give it a smooth texture and an even more delicious flavor.