If you’re looking to recreate the comforting flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant at home, then this Olive Garden Florentine Lasagna recipe is perfect for you. Layers of hearty pasta, creamy cheese, rich tomato sauce, and nutritious spinach come together to create a dish that will warm your heart and soul. Let’s dive in and make this delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
**Olive Garden Florentine Lasagna**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 box of lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can tomato sauce
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup chopped spinach
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
8. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of spinach. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the lasagna.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Florentine Lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
This Olive Garden Florentine Lasagna is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of Tuscany right to your dining table. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and nutritious spinach will have your family coming back for seconds. So, next time you’re craving a taste of Italy, whip up this delicious lasagna and watch as it becomes a new family tradition. Buon appetito!
