Easy Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of many around the world. It’s the perfect comfort food, layered with rich flavors and a delightful combination of textures. The good news is that making a delicious lasagna at home doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through an easy lasagna recipe that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

4. Boil the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

5. Mix the Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Layer the Ingredients: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
11. Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Tips and Tricks

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. After assembling, you can freeze the lasagna (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian lasagna.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple yet scrumptious lasagna recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this lasagna will hit the spot. Happy cooking!