Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or prepping for a get-together, lasagna is a versatile dish. But what pairs well with this hearty, comfort-filled meal? Here are some tried-and-true favorites: Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, Roasted Vegetables, or A Glass of Red Wine.
Today, I’m diving into a recipe that’s as American as apple pie—except it’s Italian. Confusing, right? Well, we’re talking about American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles. These noodles make lasagna easier and quicker, without compromising on flavor.
By the way, I’m Kimberly, a registered dietitian, food blogger, and your go-to for quick, healthy, and delicious recipes. Growing up in a large Italian-American family, lasagna frequently made an appearance at our table, especially during Sunday dinners. So you can trust that I know a thing or two about putting together a great lasagna.
What Is an American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodle Recipe?
American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles are a life-saver. These noodles eliminate the need to boil before baking. That means more time to enjoy other activities—or perhaps another glass of that red wine I mentioned earlier. Essentially, you layer these no-boil noodles straight into your lasagna, saving time without skimping on taste.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a balance between easy preparation and mouthwatering flavor. The key lies in the oven-ready noodles that soak up all the delicious layers of sauce, cheese, and meat. You get a perfectly cooked lasagna without the hassle of boiling noodles. If you ask me, that’s a win-win.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned
- 9-11 sheets of American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles
- 1 (1.25 ounce) packet of spaghetti sauce seasoning
- 24 ounces of ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 (6 ounce) cans of tomato puree
- 4 (6 ounce) cans of water
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
How to Make American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodle Recipe
To keep things nice and simple, I’ll break down the steps for you. Prepping and layering are as straightforward as pie, and you won’t miss the hassle of boiling the noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Drain the fat and add 2 cans of tomato puree, 4 cans of water, and a packet of spaghetti sauce seasoning. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 24 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Blend well.
Step 3: Start Layering
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (cooked lasagna noodles according to package instructions). Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese, and then another layer of meat sauce.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue to repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce) until you run out of ingredients. Typically, you should have about three full layers.
Step 5: Top It Off
Finish the last layer with remaining meat sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving a breeze.
Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Too much sauce can make your lasagna soggy.
Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving makes it easier to slice.
Experiment with Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Cheese Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix in some other cheeses like provolone or asiago for added flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna portions. Make sure to wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven at 375°F until heated through.
Nutrition Information
How Would I Recommend Serving American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodle Recipe?
Family Style: Serve it up in the baking dish. Let everyone dig in and help themselves. It makes for a cozy, communal dining experience.
Individual Portions: Great for meal prep. Cut into single servings and pack them up for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
With Wine Pairing: As mentioned, a robust red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements this dish beautifully.
As Part of a Bigger Feast: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh salad, and maybe some antipasto to round out the meal.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
Ground Turkey: Instead of ground beef, use turkey for a lighter option.
Cottage Cheese: If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese works surprisingly well.
Tomato Sauce: You can swap tomato puree with regular tomato sauce, though it might be less concentrated.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh parsley or basil, those can replace dried parsley flakes for a burst of freshness.
American beauty oven ready lasagna noodle recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 pound ground beef browned
- 9-11 cooked lasagna sheets
- 1 1.25 ounce packet of spaghetti sauce seasoning
- 24 ounces of ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 6 ounce cans of tomato puree
- 4 6 ounce cans of water
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Drain the fat and add 2 cans of tomato puree, 4 cans of water, and a packet of spaghetti sauce seasoning. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 24 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Blend well.
Step 3: Start Layering
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (cooked lasagna noodles according to package instructions). Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese, and then another layer of meat sauce.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
- Continue to repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce) until you run out of ingredients. Typically, you should have about three full layers.
Step 5: Top It Off
- Finish the last layer with remaining meat sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving a breeze.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare this lasagna a day in advance?
A1: Absolutely! Simply assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q2: Do I have to use American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles?
A2: Any oven-ready lasagna noodles will work fine. However, American Beauty is renowned for its quality and ease of use.
Q3: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A3: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of water or sauce can help retain moisture.
Q4: Is it possible to halve this recipe?
A4: Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Q5: Can I add other types of cheese?
A5: Feel free to get creative. Asiago, gouda, or even a bit of cheddar can add unique flavors to your lasagna.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! An easy yet delectable American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna Noodle recipe that even your picky eaters will love. Perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Plus, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can add your own twists.
Remember, the goal here is to make your life easier and tastier. So dig in, enjoy, and let me know how it turns out! Cheers to good food and great company!
