HEARTY LASAGNA

Hearty Lasagna image

Here's a dish that's perfect to share with your sweetie! The heart on top is an easy touch which makes the lasagna extra special. Because you can make it ahead, you won't have to feel rushed when it's time to enjoy your meal. -Marcy Cella, L'Anse, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 carrots, halved
2 celery ribs, halved
12 ounces lasagna noodles
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper. Place carrots and celery in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. , Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse in cold water. Remove and discard carrots and celery. , In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer one-third of the noodles, one-third of the meat sauce, one-third of the ricotta, one-third of the mozzarella and one-third of the Parmesan. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining noodles and meat sauce. , Cut a heart out of aluminum foil and center on top of sauce. Dollop and spread remaining ricotta around heart. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Remove and discard foil heart. Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 790mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 25g protein.