Few dishes rival the comforting satisfaction of a hearty homemade lasagna. This classic Italian-American recipe features perfectly layered pasta sheets, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate family meal, perfect for gatherings or a Sunday dinner. With a bit of preparation, you can create a lasagna that tastes even better than restaurant versions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta Layer:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Lasagna Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, then meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (tent it slightly to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable sauce made from sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna: Add layers of provolone, fontina, or even a béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini slices as a pasta alternative.
Cooking Note
- To save time, prepare the meat sauce and ricotta mixture a day in advance.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles if you’re short on time. Adjust the sauce quantity to ensure there’s enough moisture for the noodles to cook through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the lasagna with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Tips
- Use whole-milk ricotta and mozzarella for richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Let the Homemade Lasagna rest before slicing to avoid messy layers.
- For an extra cheesy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 860mg
FAQs
1. Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, covered, and then uncover for the last 15 minutes.
2. What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a lower-fat alternative. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture to ricotta.
Conclusion
Homemade lasagna is a dish that brings people together with its comforting flavors and satisfying layers. Whether for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees a delicious and hearty meal. Master this recipe and create a lasagna that will become a favorite in your kitchen.