The Best Homemade Lasagna
Craving Comfort Food?
Picture this: layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, fresh from the oven and bubbling with all the flavors of Italy. Yes, that’s right! Who can resist the allure of homemade lasagna? This recipe stands out not just because it hits all the right notes of taste and texture, but because it’s quick and easy enough to make on a weeknight. Trust me, your dinner table is going to thank you.
Why Make This Recipe
Why wouldn’t you want to dive into a pan of cheesy goodness? Here are a few reasons to whip up this delightful dish:
- Effortless Cleanup: One pan, one meal—goodbye to a pile of dishes waiting for you post-dinner!
- Affordable Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples already in your pantry. Just a quick grocery run for fresh items, and you’re practically there.
- Family-Friendly: Lasagna brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in. Kids and adults alike can’t say no to layers of yumminess! 😋
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Let’s get cooking. Here’s how to assemble the magic:
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Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Then, stir in ground beef and pork until browned. Mix in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer it up!
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Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, large egg, and some salt and pepper. Pro tip: Add a pinch of extra basil for a flavor boost.
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the lasagna noodles just until slightly tender. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle noodles, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat! Top it off with the remaining mozzarella and some Parmesan.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil (don’t let it touch the cheese!) and pop it into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
How to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna (Overview)
Making lasagna sounds intimidating, but let me tell you, it’s a breeze! Start with a tasty meat sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. While it simmers, whip up a creamy ricotta filling—don’t forget to taste test! Next, cook those noodles (multi-tasking, yay!). Then, layer it all together like a pro. Finally, slide it into the oven, and let it work its magic. Tip: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—it’ll hold everything together better.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Lasagna
Serve your lasagna hot and bubbly! For a pop of freshness, pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. The contrast of colors and textures is a feast for the eyes. Don’t forget garlic bread on the side; the crunch against the creamy layers will make your taste buds dance. 🎉
How to Store The Best Homemade Lasagna
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna
- Don’t skip the browning step! It’s where the flavor magic happens.
- Experiment with fresh herbs if you have them; they really elevate the taste. 🌿
- If you want to mix things up, try adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Make it a vegan lasagna by swapping out ground meat for lentils and using a plant-based cheese blend instead of ricotta. Switch up the dairy for almond milk ricotta, and you’re golden!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for layering them.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just allow extra cooking time.
How do I freeze lasagna?
Cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Homemade Lasagna
Ingrédients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef and pork until browned.
- Mix in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer it up!
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, large egg, and some salt and pepper. Pro tip: Add a pinch of extra basil for a flavor boost.
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the lasagna noodles just until slightly tender.
- Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle noodles, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat! Top it off with the remaining mozzarella and some Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil (don’t let it touch the cheese!) and pop it into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
