Lasagna
Experience the comfort of rich layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles in this classic dish that brings families together.
Ingredients
Noodles and Meat Sauce
- 12-15 sheets Lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil)
- 1 pound Ground beef You can also mix in ground turkey.
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes, canned
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg (optional, for the ricotta mixture)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the egg (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this process, finishing with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil (ensure it doesn’t touch the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, allow your lasagna to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition. You can also mix different cheeses for a unique twist. Lasagna can be made ahead of time and baked before serving.