Veggie lasagna with ground beef

veggie lasagna with ground beef

Veggie lasagna with ground beef is a classic Italian dish that has been around for centuries. This recipe uses ground beef, which makes it perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

What vegetables can you put in meat lasagna?

You can use any kind of vegetable you like in lasagna. Try spinach, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc...

How do you keep veggie lasagna from being watery?

This is a common problem and many cookers fall into it. Actually, there are two main things to avoid lasagna from watery. First, you need to give lasagna the right time to cook well, and usually, lasagna needs 1 hour. Second, add some cheese at the end of the cooking. This will help hold everything together.

Do you have to cover the lasagna with foil when baking?

No, you don’t need to cover the lasagna with aluminum foil when baking. You just need to make sure that the pan is dry before putting the lasagna into the oven. If there is any moisture left in the pan, then the lasagna won’t cook properly.

Can you use another ground meat instead of beef?

There are so many different kinds of meats that go well with lasagna. We recommend using ground beef because it has a lot of flavor and texture. Other good options include chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and sausage.

How to make ground beef at home for veggie lasagna?

Here, we will explain how to make ground beef but not how to cook it. We will cook the ground beef with lasagna later so don't worry. This ground beef is not only for veggie lasagna but, you can use it in other recipes.

  • First, bring beef with 20% to 40% fat, and of course, has to be boneless. pre-wash them and dry them completely.
  • Second, cut the beef into small cubes (1-2 inches each piece). When you have done cutting, put the cubes in a single layer in a tray and make sure to separate the pieces.
  • Third, put the tray in the fridge for about 2 hours until the cubes are completely frozen.
  • After that, Bring a chopper and put the beef cubes in it. Make sure to chop the beef well as possible. Here, ground beef is ready to use.

How many layers should my lasagna be?

You can use as few or as many layers as you want. Just keep in mind that the more layers you add, the longer it will take to cook. So, if you’re making a large batch, start by layering only one layer at first. Then, once it’s cooked through, you can add another layer.

Notes

  • When you use spinach, make sure the spinach is thawed and squeezed dry and you can use a paper towel for that.
  • The casserole that we will use in our recipe is about 10 * 8 * 3 inches. If you want to use a big casserole you have to increase the ingredients a little bit. However, the way is the same.

See also

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 60 min Rest Time: 10 min Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Servings 4
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Ingredients
  • olive oil
  • 1 Head onion (diced)
  • salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic (diced)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 zucchini (diced)
  • oven ready lasagna noodles
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces herb and garlic cream cheese
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
Instructions
  1. First, in a pan, add olive oil and the diced onion. Saute until soft.

  2. Second, in the same pan, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and two cloves of garlic. Stir them well for 1 minute.

  3. Third, add 1 pound of ground beef ( we already explained how to make it at home or you can simply buy it). Cook it until it's brown and drain any excess fat along the way.

  4. Next, add the marinara sauce to the pan. Stir well and set it aside.

  5. After that, let's go and prepare our veggies. In another pan and on medium heat, add olive oil, and 1 diced zucchini. Saute this for 4 to 5 minutes to soften up. Add 1 diced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well for 1 minute.

  6. Next, add 1 and 1/2 cups marinara sauce to the pan. As previously, put the pan aside.

  7. After that, let's prepare our ricotta mixture. In a bowl, add 1 cup of frozen spinach (make sure the spinach is thawed and squeezed dry). Add 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, 8 ounces of herb and garlic cream cheese, and 1 and 1/2 cups of cottage cheese. Mix thoroughly with a fork.

  8. Now, let's start making our lasagna. Bring a casserole, add a layer with marinara sauce, and spread it around the bottom. Then, lay down the first layer of noodles.

  9. Next, add a layer of ricotta mixture. spread it evenly. Then, a layer of meat mixture. Next, a layer of the veggie mixture.

  10. It is almost done, all you have to do now is repeat the process until the casserole is full. You can add some cheese on top you can use any type.

  11. Enter the casserole into the oven at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove it from the oven and with this our lasagna is ready to get eaten. Cheers!!!