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Amy's Global Kitchen Recipes's avatarAmy's Global Kitchen Recipes

Lasagna (No Ricotta Cheese)

A rich blend of three cheeses layered with hearty meatballs and savory tomato sauce makes this lasagna the ultimate crowd-pleasing family dinner. Easy to prep ahead, simply bake, let it rest, and serve up a comforting meal everyone will love.
Print Recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb 900 g ground beef or beef/pork mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian Seasoned if possible
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Splash of milk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 jars/passata equivalent about 48–56 oz total tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt + pepper
  • Basil or oregano
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • 12 lasagna noodles or oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb shredded mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Mix all meatball ingredients gently.
  2. Roll into small meatballs — about golf-ball size.
  3. Bake at 425°F / 220°C for 15–18 minutes until browned.
  4. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
  5. Add garlic for 30 seconds.
  6. Stir in tomato paste.
  7. Add tomato sauce, seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper.
  8. Add meatballs.
  9. Simmer 30–45 minutes.
  10. Layer in a deep 9×13 pan:
  11. Thin layer of sauce
  12. Noodles
  13. Meatballs + sauce (take a fork and smash before)
  14. Mozzarella
  15. Parmesan
  16. Cheddar
  17. Repeat 3–4 layers
  18. Finish with: Extra mozzarella and Parmesan
  19. Cover with foil.
  20. Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 35 minutes.
  21. Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes until bubbling and browned.
  22. Rest at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions

Meatballs Only

Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags.
They keep well for:
  • 3 months frozen
Reheat directly in simmering sauce.

Entire Lasagna (Unbaked)

Best option for future dinners.
  1. Assemble completely.
  2. Cool fully.
  3. Wrap tightly:
    • plastic wrap
    • then foil
Freeze up to:
  • 3 months

To Bake From Frozen

  • Bake covered at 375°F / 190°C for about 75–90 minutes.
  • Uncover last 20 minutes.
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