What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!

Authentic lasagna is made up of layers of meat sauce and pasta - there are no layers of cheese in between. Enjoy this true Italian classic as is or omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 can (16 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon tomato puree
salt and pepper and any other seasonings, to taste
1 package (8 ounce size) dry lasagna noodles
2 1/2 ounces sliced Mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 ounce grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the garlic, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pan and let simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in a little water if the sauce becomes too thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and any other herbs and spices as desired.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x9 baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat the layers using the remaining ingredients and ending with meat sauce.
Top the final layer with slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. If the sauce layers seem dry, gently pour a small amount of water (1/4 cup) around the edges of the noodles.
Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F and remove the foil from the pan. Let cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and light golden brown.
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
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reviews & comments
July 29, 2017
I do all the same as your receipt only I add sour cream and cream cheese to each layer and sprinkle my cheeses on each layer top with a heavy coat of the cheese yum yum
July 29, 2017
Thanks. This is like pizza. There's good and great. This is great! I prefer to add spinach. Now I have a craving for lasagna. It's a Garfield moment!!
June 14, 2014
This is how I've always made my lasagna and everyone always asks for the recipe!
January 23, 2009
very very good, and very very easy to make.
September 1, 2006
This really was the easiest lasagna recipe I've ever done and my whole family LOVED it!!
February 1, 2004
Although this is a simple and.. yes genuine lasagne recipe, it will be very boring,, spice wise. remember there is nothing wrong with adding some exciting vegetabes, and herbs to it, spice it up!! ( remember,some vegetabes add water content , just add a little more tomato paste,less tomatos. good luck, Paul