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Cheesy Lasagna Garlic Bread Delight

Cheesy Lasagna Garlic Bread Delight

Cheesy Lasagna Garlic Bread Delight is a comforting and indulgent dish that layers gooey melted cheeses and savory meat sauce with lasagna noodles, topped with crispy garlic bread. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe blends rich flavors and textures for an unforgettable meal that can be easily customized to your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Components

  • 12 no-boil or regular lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)

Garlic Bread Topping

  • 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian herbs. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop deep flavors.
  2. Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir well to form a creamy, cheesy filling that complements the meat sauce and noodles.
  3. Cook or Prepare Noodles: If using no-boil noodles, arrange them directly. Otherwise, boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Layer the Lasagna: Grease a baking dish and start with a thin layer of the meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, spread cheese mixture over them, then repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Bread Topping: Slice the baguette or Italian bread lengthwise. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, then spread generously on both halves. Toast in the oven until crispy and fragrant.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Place the toasted garlic bread slices on top of the layered lasagna. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the dish is bubbling and golden brown.

Notes

  • Layer strategically: Distribute cheese evenly throughout the lasagna for consistent creaminess and flavor.
  • Rest before slicing: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and improve flavor melding.
  • Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste of the garlic bread topping.
  • Choose full-fat cheeses: Whole milk cheeses result in creamier texture and richer flavor.
  • Monitor baking time: Avoid overbaking to prevent drying out the garlic bread and lasagna layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, garlic bread, cheesy lasagna, comfort food, Italian recipe, baked pasta, layered lasagna, family dinner, cheesy garlic bread