I’m excited to share Joy Behar’s lasagna recipe, a dish that’s won hearts on The View. ✨ This classic Italian-American comfort food features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese that come together in perfect harmony.
The secret to this lasagna’s success lies in its layered construction, starting with a robust meat sauce made from ground beef and tomatoes, followed by tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors and textures, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to please both family and friends. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen.
Let’s get started on making this delightful lasagna, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare and serve this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients for joy behar lasagne
Here’s everything you need to create Joy Behar’s delicious lasagna, a comforting Italian-American classic.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef 🥩 | 1 lb | Browned with onions and garlic |
| Canned Crushed Tomatoes 🍅 | 2 can | San Marzano preferred |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Dried Basil 🌿 | 1 tsp | Or fresh, chopped |
| Dried Oregano 🌿 | 1 tsp | Or fresh, chopped |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Lasagna Noodles 🍝 | 8 pieces | Wide, flat noodles |
| Ricotta Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Whole milk preferred |
| Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 | 2 cups | Shredded, low-moisture |
| Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Freshly grated |
| Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | Beaten, for egg wash |
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You can find most ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality tomatoes, look for San Marzano or other reputable brands. Choose fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. Consider buying ingredients like ricotta and Parmesan from specialty Italian markets for authenticity.
If you can't find whole-milk ricotta, use what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant. You can also use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, so consider using it if available.
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Joy Behar’s Lasagna Recipe
Let’s dive into making Joy Behar’s beloved lasagna, a true Viewer’s Delight that’s sure to impress.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, add the 1 whole finely chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing the deep flavor of the sauce.
Next, add the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce.
👨🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1.5 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 beaten egg. Mix these ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The egg helps to bind the mixture together, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.
Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. I like to taste a little bit of the mixture on a spoon to ensure it’s well-seasoned. This step is important because it ensures the cheese layers are flavorful throughout the lasagna.
🥘 Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the 8 lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside on a clean surface to prevent them from sticking together.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.
🔥 Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes
While still covered, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. This final step gives the lasagna a beautifully browned top and ensures the cheese is melted and gooey.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. The anticipation of that first bite is always worth the wait!
🍴 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the lasagna into generous portions and serve hot. The layers should be well-defined, with the meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese creating a delicious harmony of flavors. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Joy Behar’s lasagna.
Each bite is a testament to the care and attention put into preparing this dish, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling is sure to make this lasagna a new favorite in your household.
Joy Behar’s lasagna recipe is a classic Italian dish that has been perfected over the years. This mouth-watering lasagna is made with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked to perfection in the oven 🍝. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for a novice cook! 😊
Preparing the Ingredients 🔪
To start, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients, including ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor out of your lasagna.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Cooking the Lasagna 🔥
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
To assemble the lasagna, start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles, and then a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
💡 Pro tip: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve. 👌
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Joy Behar Lasagna
These tried-and-tested tips will help you achieve a delicious and satisfying lasagna that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Meat Sauce Mastery: In Step 1, when browning the 1 lb ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even distribution of flavor. Letting the meat sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce. 🔥
Cheese Mixture Perfection: When preparing the cheese mixture in Step 2, be sure to mix the 1.5 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 beaten egg until smooth and creamy. This ensures that the cheese layers are well-defined and flavorful throughout the lasagna.
Layering Like a Pro: In Step 3, when assembling the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This creates a beautifully browned and bubbly crust.
Baking to Perfection: In Step 4, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. This final step gives the lasagna a beautifully browned top and ensures the cheese is melted and gooey. 💡
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per recipe
Amount per serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g
19%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Cholesterol 65mg
22%
Sodium 580mg
25%
Total Carbohydrate 32g
12%
Dietary Fiber 4g
14%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 25g
50%
Vitamin D 2mcg
10%
Calcium 120mg
9%
Iron 3mg
17%
Potassium 420mg
9%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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