Best Lasagna Recipe

Homemade Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and melted mozzarella. This recipe combines classic ingredients and techniques to create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boil according to package instructions)
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for layering
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. Spoon a third of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
7. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious homemade lasagna with garlic bread and a crisp salad.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Lasagna

• Noodle Preparation: Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for convenience, or boil regular lasagna noodles until al dente before layering.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, then bake it when ready to serve.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

Enjoy this homemade lasagna recipe that brings together layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella into a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing the flavors of Italy right to your table!