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.
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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
- 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.
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix well and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
