Lasagna with Garlic Ricotta and Sautéed Mushrooms

A Classic with a Delicious Twist

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and for good reason—rich, hearty layers of noodles, savory meat, melty cheese, and sauce all come together for a satisfying meal. But what if you could take this classic dish and make it even better? That’s exactly what this Beef Lasagna with Garlic Ricotta and Sautéed Mushrooms does—adds a twist that elevates the flavors while still keeping the essence of your favorite lasagna.

In this version, we've infused the ricotta filling with garlic for an added depth of flavor and incorporated sautéed mushrooms into the beef sauce, giving the dish a subtle earthy richness. It’s still the lasagna you know and love, just a little more refined.

Why This Lasagna is a Game-Changer

Lasagna is one of those dishes that has endless variations, but this recipe is a perfect balance of familiar and new. The combination of garlic ricotta and mushrooms provides unexpected layers of flavor that make every bite a little more exciting. Whether you're cooking for your family on a cozy evening or preparing it for a weekend dinner with friends, this lasagna will impress everyone at the table.

The Key Ingredients: A Twist on Tradition

• Garlic-infused Ricotta: Adding garlic to the ricotta filling might seem like a small change, but it makes a big difference. The garlic adds a savory, aromatic kick that complements the creaminess of the ricotta and mozzarella.

• Sautéed Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to the meat sauce that balances the beef’s richness. Sautéing the mushrooms ensures they’re perfectly tender and packed with flavor before they're added to the sauce, giving the entire lasagna a savory depth.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Lasagna

• Don’t skip the mushrooms: While they might seem like an optional addition, sautéed mushrooms add a wonderful depth to the flavor that you won’t get from just the beef. Plus, they absorb all the savory goodness of the sauce.

• Let the lasagna rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, so when you cut into it, the slices stay neat and hold their shape.

• Make it ahead: Lasagna is even better the next day! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just pop it into the oven to bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair It With

This lasagna is filling on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect way to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re craving something extra, serve it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables to add some color and texture to your meal.

And if you’re looking to make it a full Italian-inspired meal, pair this lasagna with a glass of Chianti or Merlot. The red wine will complement the rich flavors of the beef and garlic, enhancing the overall dining experience.

A Flavorful Twist You’ll Love

This Beef Lasagna with Garlic Ricotta and Sautéed Mushrooms is the perfect upgrade to your classic lasagna recipe. It’s still hearty, comforting, and cheesy, but with an unexpected twist that adds flavor and depth. Whether you're making it for family, friends, or a special occasion, this lasagna will surely become a favorite.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are a few extra details to help ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time:

1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef: While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can opt for 80/20 for a richer flavor or even use ground turkey for a lighter alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if you use a fattier beef to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

2. Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can make a big difference in the flavor. If you have them on hand, chop them up and sprinkle them in the sauce for an extra burst of freshness. Dried herbs will still work, but fresh herbs are always a nice touch!

3. Make It Ahead of Time: Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day! Feel free to prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, just pop it in the oven to bake—this is perfect for meal prepping or preparing a stress-free dinner in advance for guests.

4. Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: If you’re looking to modify this recipe for dietary restrictions, there are great alternatives available:

   • Gluten-Free Noodles: You can easily swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles.

   • Dairy-Free Options: Substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just ensure they melt well for the best texture.

5. Resting Time Is Key: After baking, be sure to let your lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without the sauce running.

6. Leftovers: Leftover lasagna stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container. Reheat it thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving.

7. Serving Size: The recipe makes about 8 generous servings, but if you have hearty appetites or are serving this as the main dish at a party, you might want to account for a few extra servings.

Enjoy making this Beef Lasagna with Garlic Ricotta and Sautéed Mushrooms! With these extra tips and tricks, you're sure to have a delicious, perfectly layered lasagna every time.

Yield: 8

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Beef Lasagna with Garlic Ricotta and Sautéed Mushrooms

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 42 MinTotal time: 1 H & 2 M

This slight twist on traditional lasagna incorporates fresh garlic in the ricotta filling and sautéed mushrooms in the meat sauce to add an earthy richness that complements the savory beef. It’s a familiar favorite with just enough change to make it extraordinary!

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms (see below for instructions)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Ricotta Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the ricotta mixture)
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna

• 12 cooked lasagna noodles (or no-boil noodles)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Making the Lasagna

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they become tender and release their moisture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Add the sautéed mushrooms to the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to let all the flavors meld. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Garlic Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the garlic ricotta filling over the noodles. Top with half of the meat sauce. Add another layer of noodles, followed by the remaining garlic ricotta filling and meat sauce.
8. Top with the final layer of noodles and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil (optional) and serve hot.

Notes

Pro Tips for Success:

• Use fresh garlic in the ricotta: Infusing the ricotta with garlic adds a delightful burst of flavor to every bite.
• Sauté the mushrooms well: This helps to concentrate their flavor and ensures they don’t release too much water into the sauce.
• Let the lasagna rest: Allowing it to cool slightly before serving helps it hold its shape, making for easier slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.