Description: A classic, comforting lasagna featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1-28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp dry basil
- ½ tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The onions should soften and become slightly golden, releasing their sweet aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, as undercooked meat can pose a health risk. Continuously break the meat into small pieces while cooking to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Excess fat can make the lasagna greasy, so this step is crucial for a balanced flavor. You can tilt the skillet and spoon out the fat or use a fat separator.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the lasagna at the correct temperature.
Step 6: Make the Ricotta Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. The egg helps to bind the ricotta and creates a richer texture. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for a uniform filling.
Step 7: Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente means the noodles are cooked but still firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the lasagna. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent them from sticking together. You can lightly drizzle them with olive oil to keep them separate.
Step 8: Assemble the Lasagna: Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the lasagna from sticking to the dish.
Step 9: Layer the Ingredients: Spoon enough meat sauce to cover the bottom of the dish. This creates a flavorful base for the lasagna.
Step 10: Add Noodles and Fillings: Place three lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Follow with ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce, ⅓ of the ricotta filling, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the noodles. Spoon dollops of ricotta filling evenly over the meat sauce; it doesn’t need to be perfectly spread. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta filling.
Step 11: Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed for the best flavor and texture.
Step 12: Top with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the last layer of mozzarella. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory flavor to the top of the lasagna.
Step 13: Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Covering the lasagna with foil prevents the cheese from burning and helps to cook the lasagna evenly.
Step 14: Remove Foil and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Removing the foil allows the cheese to melt and brown to perfection.
COOKING Rating: Medium
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it balances simplicity with incredible flavor. The homemade meat sauce is rich, savory, and customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your preference. The creamy ricotta filling adds a delightful contrast in texture and taste, and the layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese create a comforting, cheesy experience. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a classic dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Its versatility also allows for customization – you can easily add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce or experiment with different cheeses. The recipe is straightforward, even for novice cooks, and the end result is a beautifully layered, satisfying lasagna that everyone will love. The leftovers, if there are any, taste even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Plus, the recipe’s hearty nature ensures that everyone will leave the table feeling full and content.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the oven, after allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Pair with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are excellent accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
- For dessert, consider serving tiramisu or cannoli for a complete Italian meal experience.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles are key to preventing a mushy lasagna.
- Use Full-Fat Ricotta: This will result in a creamier and more flavorful filling.
- Let the Lasagna Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking makes it easier to slice and helps the layers hold their shape.
- Customize the Sauce: Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and bake it when needed. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Freeze for Later: Lasagna freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 35-45g per serving
- Sodium: 700-900mg per serving
Conclusion:
This homemade lasagna recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create a truly memorable dish. From the savory meat sauce to the creamy ricotta filling and the perfectly layered noodles, every element works in harmony to deliver a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of home, this lasagna is sure to become a cherished family favorite. Its adaptability allows for endless variations, ensuring that you can tailor it to your specific preferences and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on the culinary adventure of creating the best homemade lasagna you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and most importantly, share the love with those you care about. Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the meat sauce. No-boil noodles absorb more moisture during baking. Ensure your sauce is slightly more watery than you would normally make it, and distribute the sauce evenly between the layers. Follow the package instructions for no-boil noodles, as some may require pre-soaking or other specific preparations. Also, ensure that the ricotta cheese is moist enough, adding a tablespoon or two of milk or cream if needed. Check for dryness halfway through baking; if it looks dry, add a small amount of water or broth to the edges of the pan.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make a vegetarian lasagna, omit the ground beef and ground pork from the meat sauce. Instead, you can add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant. Sauté the vegetables until softened before adding the diced tomatoes and other sauce ingredients. You can also use a vegetarian “ground meat” substitute. Consider adding lentils or beans to the sauce for added protein and texture. Enhance the flavor with herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. You can create a robust and satisfying vegetarian lasagna that is just as flavorful as the traditional version.
Q3: How can I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?
A: To prevent a watery lasagna, there are several steps you can take. First, thoroughly drain any excess fat from the meat after browning. Second, ensure that the ricotta cheese is not overly wet; drain it if necessary using cheesecloth. Third, avoid overcooking the lasagna noodles, as they will release starch into the sauce, making it watery. Fourth, let the meat sauce simmer for an extended period to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Finally, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and any remaining liquid to be reabsorbed. If you’re using vegetables, sauté them well to remove excess moisture before adding them to the sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze this lasagna? What’s the best way to do it?
A: Yes, lasagna freezes very well. To freeze, allow the lasagna to cool completely after baking. Then, cut it into individual portions or freeze the entire lasagna whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, pressing out as much air as possible, and then wrap again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection will help prevent freezer burn. Label and date the lasagna before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-45 minutes for individual portions or 1 hour for the entire lasagna. You can also freeze unbaked lasagna; just assemble the lasagna and wrap it well before freezing.
Q5: What can I add to the ricotta filling to make it more flavorful?
A: There are several ways to enhance the flavor of the ricotta filling. You can add a pinch of nutmeg, which complements the creamy texture and adds a subtle warmth. Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, finely chopped, can also add a burst of freshness. Consider adding a small amount of grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese for a salty and savory note. Some people also like to add a clove of minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. Just remember to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. A hint of lemon zest can also add a vibrant, citrusy undertone that brightens the entire lasagna.
