Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.


Mueller's, a well known brand of pasta, created this classic lasagna recipe made with layers of pasta, beef, sauce, and cheese.
1 tablespoon corn oil
1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
30 ounces ricotta cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
16 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Cook the lasagna noodles as directed on the package. Drain well and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Add the spaghetti sauce and parsley. Stir well then let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan, and 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella. Mix well.
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Top with 4 lasagna noodles in an even layer. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Repeat the layers twice.
End with the remaining lasagna noodles and remaining meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes longer.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
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For a richer flavor, try adding a layer of sauteed vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, within the ricotta layers.
Sprinkle fresh basil on top of the finished lasagna before serving.
For a smoother ricotta mixture, blend the ricotta cheese in a food processor until creamy before mixing with the eggs and cheese.
If you prefer a crispy top layer, broil the lasagna for the last few minutes of baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For even cooking, avoid overlapping the noodles when layering them in the dish.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make sure that the spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture can enhance its flavor and add a subtle warmth to the lasagna.
If the lasagna starts to brown too quickly while baking uncovered, loosely place the foil back over the top until it finishes cooking.
Try different cheeses for the topping, such as a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage can be used as a substitute for beef if you're looking for a different flavor.
Any favorite brand or homemade meatless spaghetti sauce works well. Choose one with flavors you enjoy, such as marinara or tomato basil.
Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. If unavailable, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Mixing ricotta with eggs and cheese helps bind the filling, giving it structure and richness, and helps the layers hold together when the lasagna is cut.
Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used to save time. Follow the package instructions for layering as they may require additional sauce for proper cooking.
Make sure there's enough sauce in each layer and cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes to help to lock in moisture and prevent the lasagna from drying out.
Allowing the lasagna to rest helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart. It also allows flavors to meld together.
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra time to the baking process if starting from cold.
Yes, bake as directed and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Heat in the oven or microwave.
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
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