Lasagna Recipe

Introduction:
Few dishes embody comfort and indulgence quite like a well-made lasagna. With its layers of rich sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, lasagna has earned its place as a beloved classic in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a hearty meal to feed a crowd, lasagna never fails to satisfy. Today, I’m excited to share with you a mouthwatering lasagna recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade lasagna.

Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

To make the meat sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

In a separate bowl, prepare the ricotta filling by combining ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

Spread half of the ricotta filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ricotta filling, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna for extra flavor.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Conclusion:
With its layers of savory sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, homemade lasagna is a labor of love that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it as leftovers the next day, this classic comfort food never fails to bring joy to the table. So gather your ingredients, embrace the art of layering, and treat yourself to the irresistible deliciousness of homemade lasagna. Buon appetito!