If you’re in search of the best lasagna recipe that you can make at home then you’re in the right location! This traditional Italian recipe is loaded by layers of delicious bechamel, creamy meat sauce as well as perfectly cooked noodles that makes it an absolute popular comfort food during dinner. When you’re hosting a big family gathering or preparing a meal for the week ahead, this simple lasagna dish will delight everyone around the dinner table.
Introduction
Lasagna is an integral essential part of Italian food for many years, with its roots going back to early Rome. Through time, it has transformed into an extremely popular pasta dishes around the world. The classic lasagna recipe recipe combines the flavorful ground beef, sweet tomato sauce with gooey melting cheese to make a dish that is both delicious and simple to cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Genuine Italian tastes with a personal touch
- Create-ahead, freezer-friendly to make meal planning easy
- Can be customized with different cheeses, meats, and even vegetables
Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna
To create this easy lasagna at home You’ll require:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture with ground meat and Italian sausage)
- One small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 OZ) can of tomatoes that have been crushed
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Half teaspoon sugar (optional to counteract acidity)
- Half teaspoon red pepper in flakes (optional to add spice)
For the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked and then drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)
How to Make Homemade Lasagna – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high temperature. Place in the ground beef and cook until it is browned and then breaking it up using spatula.
- Incorporate chopped onions to the pan and simmer until soft, approximately 3 minutes. Mix in chopped garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce as well as tomato paste and mix well.
- Include to the sauce basil, oregano sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flake (if you’re using). The sauce should simmer at a low temperature to thirty minutes and stir it up frequently.
Step2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Cook a large pan filled with well-salted water and cook lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
- Remove the drain then Rinse with water to avoid sticking.
Step3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
- in a bowl mix eggs, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, and salt. Mix until it is smooth and place aside.
Step4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven until the temperature of 375 degF (190degC).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles that have been cooked on top of the lasagna sauce.
- Sprinkle 1/3 portion of the Ricotta mix onto the noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of mozzarella cheese..
- Repeat the layers 2 more times.
- Serve with the remaining cheese sauce, meat sauce and Parmesan cheese..
Step5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with the foil Bake for 25 minutes..
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- The lasagna should be allowed to rest at least about 10 mins before serving and cutting.
Helpful Tips for Homemade Lasagna
- Use canned tomatoes of the highest quality to ensure the finest sauce taste.
- Allow the lasagna to lay before cutting it to keep the layers together.
- Prepare prior to baking: Assemble and refrigerate for up at 24 hours prior to baking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna
- For a more intense flavor cook the dish for at least an hour.
- Are you looking for a smoother appearance? Add a bechamel sauce layer between the ricotta-pasta and pasta.
- Make lasagna noodles that are oven-ready to cut down on time (but ensure there’s plenty of moisture within the dish).
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Lasagna
Serve with your freshly made lasagna with:
- Garlic bread to make a crisp and buttery side
- Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast
- The red wine such as Chianti or Merlot to make the perfect match
Nutritional Information
It is a traditional lasagna recipe offers an well-balanced food including protein, carbs and fats.
Nutrient Details (per portion):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fats: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
Storage and Leftovers for Homemade Lasagna
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze Lasagna is assembled and frozen prior to making it until 3 months..
- Reheat Bake the cookies at 350 degrees F (175degC) for 20 minutes or in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Homemade Lasagna
1. Do I have to substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese can be an excellent alternative for ricotta if prefer more of a more delicate texture.
2. What can I do to prevent the creation of a watery lasagna?
The excess liquid should be removed from the sauce and allow the lasagna cool before slicing it to prevent the lasagna from becoming runny.
3. Can I make lasagna using any meat?
Absolutely! Make use of sauteed zucchini, sauteed mushrooms and spinach to make an amazing lasagna made of vegetables.
4. What can I do to make lasagna that is gluten-free?
Make use of lasagna noodles made of gluten-free and be sure to check the ingredients to find hidden gluten sources.
Related Recipes for Lasagna Lovers
Looking for more delicious recipes? Take a look at these recipes:
- Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe
- Cheesy Beef and Noodles Skillet – Easy Family Dinner
- Scallion Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner IdeaPrint
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe for Dinner
Description
If you’re looking for the best homemade lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This classic Italian dish is packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a comfort food favorite for dinner. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this easy lasagna recipe will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
ScaleFor the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then stir well.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Step3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times.
- Top with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting to keep the layers intact.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.