Classic Lasagna

 

Introduction

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved by people around the world. Its rich flavors, creamy textures, and multiple layers make it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or preparing a hearty meal for yourself, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a delicious homemade lasagna from scratch. Follow the instructions carefully to achieve a perfectly layered dish that’s bursting with flavor.

 

---

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) ground Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 container (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked or pre-cooked, depending on preference)
• Salt for boiling water

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into smaller pieces as they cook. Stir until fully browned with no pink remaining.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly.

1. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
2. Let it cook: Lower the heat, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Finish with parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
2. Add egg and seasoning: Crack in the egg and mix thoroughly. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

 

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil water:Fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil.
2. Cook the noodles: Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions (skip if using pre-cooked noodles). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain and cool: Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Arrange them in a single layer on a clean surface to keep them from sticking together.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer 1 – Sauce: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer 2 – Noodles: Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
4. Layer 3 – Cheese: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Repeat layers: Continue layering in the same order—meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture—until three full layers are complete, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
6. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the final layer.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with foil: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
2. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 26 minutes.
3. Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
4. Cool before serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

Enjoy!

---

You my also like:

Tropical Smoothie

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

 

---

Alternative Tips for the Recipe

1. Meat Substitutes: For a leaner option, replace the beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken. You can also make a vegetarian version using mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
2. Cheese Swaps: If ricotta isn’t available, substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
3. Pasta Choices: Save time by using oven-ready lasagna noodles, or opt for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier twist.
4. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra depth and a slight kick.
5. Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella for a delicious dairy-free alternative.
7. Freezing Tip: To make meal prep easier, freeze unbaked lasagna for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding additional cooking time as needed.
8. Serving Idea: Complement your lasagna with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Would you like any further adjustments based on specific dietary needs?

---

Conclusion

After allowing the lasagna to rest, slice and serve while warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread. With its rich layers of flavor and comforting texture, this homemade lasagna is perfect for any occasion and sure to delight everyone at the table.