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This classic layered lasagna brings everyone to the table and fills your kitchen with the warmth of Italian comfort food. It is the ultimate make-ahead meal and a reliable choice for everything from weeknight dinners to family celebrations.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: gives the lasagna its hearty flavor and richness so select well-marbled meat for best taste
- Yellow onion: adds mild sweetness choose one that feels firm and heavy
- Fresh garlic: boosts savory notes always pick bulbs with tight white skin
- Crushed tomatoes: form the sauce base seek out Italian brands for a robust flavor
- Tomato paste: deepens color and richness use double concentrate if you can
- Dried oregano and basil: add earthy and herby depth check they are fragrant and not stale
- Salt and pepper: enhance every layer use sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- A touch of sugar: balances acidity from tomatoes if your sauce tastes too sharp
- Ricotta cheese: provides creamy texture look for smooth whole-milk versions
- An egg: binds the ricotta mixture making it light and fluffy use large eggs for best results
- Parmesan cheese: gives a nutty and salty punch grate fresh for more flavor
- Lasagna noodles: create structure choose oven-ready to save time or traditional for a chewier bite
- Shredded mozzarella: delivers the melty layer make sure it is moist and stretchy
- Extra grated Parmesan: creates a golden crust
- Fresh basil or parsley: brightens the final dish select deeply green and unwilted leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics:
- Begin by cooking your ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat Stir often as the meat browns and onions soften This step sets up the savory richness that defines a great meat sauce
- Build the Sauce:
- Once the meat is cooked add minced garlic Cook gently until fragrant Then stir in crushed tomatoes tomato paste oregano basil salt pepper and a pinch of sugar Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so flavors develop and the sauce thickens
- Mix the Ricotta Filling:
- In a mixing bowl blend ricotta cheese egg Parmesan salt and pepper until smooth This mixture should be creamy but not runny as it gives each bite its signature silkiness
- Prepare the Noodles:
- If using traditional noodles cook them according to the package in salted boiling water Stir to prevent sticking then drain and lay flat to keep them from clumping
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish Lay down noodles next Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella Repeat these layers for a total of three cycles and finish with remaining meat sauce mozzarella and extra Parmesan
- Bake and Finish:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Cover the dish with foil greased on the underside to prevent sticking Bake for 25 minutes Remove foil then return to oven for 15 to 20 minutes more until the top is bubbling and golden
- Let Rest and Serve:
- Rest the lasagna for at least ten minutes before slicing This lets the layers firm up making serving neat and easy Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired
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Storage Tips
Once cooled lasagna keeps in the fridge for up to three days Wrap individual pieces tightly for easy lunch reheating For longer storage freeze slices or the whole pan wrapped well in foil and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use a mix of ground turkey and beef for a lighter version Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a different texture For vegetarians skip the meat and layer roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a peppery arugula salad or buttery garlic bread For a showstopping dinner menu pair with a simple red wine like Chianti and finish with a cool scoop of gelato
A Brief History of Lasagna
Lasagna traces its roots back to ancient Rome but got its name and modern form in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region Layers of pasta cheese and sauce have symbolized celebration and abundance on Italian tables for centuries
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, oven-ready noodles can replace traditional noodles. Layer directly without boiling; just ensure enough sauce for moisture.
- → Can I substitute sausage for ground beef?
Absolutely. You can use all beef, all Italian sausage, or a mix for extra flavor.
- → How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Simmer the sauce well to reduce excess liquid and let the lasagna rest before slicing to help it set.
- → Is it possible to prepare in advance?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours. Bake a little longer straight from the fridge.
- → Can leftovers be frozen?
Lasagna freezes well. Cool completely, then portion and wrap for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven.