The Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

The Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich layers of pasta, creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and a hint of herbs, it’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a hearty meal, this homemade lasagna recipe is sure to impress.

Click Here To Get The Dinner Recipe Book For Vegan And Vegetarian

Ingredients

To create the perfect lasagna, you’ll need the following:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix well and set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce.
   • Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil doesn’t touch the cheese.
   • Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the lasagna and freeze it uncooked. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 hours, covering it with foil for the first hour.
• Customize Your Lasagna: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.

This lasagna recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that brings people together over a delicious meal. Whether served with a side salad or garlic bread, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Click Here To Get The Dinner Recipe Book For Vegan And Vegetarian