Lasagna fans, get ready for a cheesy and comforting meal! Imagine layers of flavorful sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella coming together in a golden, baked dish. This homemade lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a special treat for yourself.
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade lasagna is a rewarding experience. Not only do you know exactly what ingredients you’re using, but you can also customize it to your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and create a satisfying meal that can feed a crowd. With each layer, the flavors meld together beautifully, offering a comforting dish that people love.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna
To make homemade lasagna, follow these simple steps. Gather your ingredients, prepare the sauce, layer your ingredients, and bake. It’s easier than you might think!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ($4.99)
- 1 yellow onion ($0.37)
- 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes ($1.89)
- 3 oz. tomato paste (about 5 Tbsp) ($0.45)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning ($0.30)
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta ($3.19)
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend ($1.25)
- 1 large egg ($0.24)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper ($0.02)
- 9 lasagna noodles (about ½ lb.) ($0.90)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella ($2.49)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish) ($0.10)
Directions:
- Add the Italian sausage to a deep skillet and cook over medium heat until browned.
- While the sausage is cooking, dice the onion. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Continue to cook until the onion has softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine. Partially cover the skillet with a lid, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, egg, and pepper. Mix well and set the cheese mixture aside.
- Fill a large pot with water, add ½ Tbsp salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the noodles. Cook until tender (about 8 minutes). Drain in a colander.
- Spread about 1 cup of sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lay three noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, cheese) two more times, finishing with the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil, turn the oven from bake to broil, and broil for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Watch it closely!
- Top with chopped parsley if desired. Slice into nine (or twelve) pieces. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna
Serve homemade lasagna hot, right out of the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s great for leftovers, too!
How to Store Homemade Lasagna
To store homemade lasagna, let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make Homemade Lasagna
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can customize your lasagna by using ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more vegetables. You can also try different cheeses like cottage cheese or feta for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and keep it in the fridge before baking it.
2. Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes! You can freeze assembled lasagna before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
3. How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when it is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. If you have a food thermometer, it should read at least 165ºF in the center.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful homemade lasagna recipe!
Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage Ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion Diced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 oz tomato paste About 5 tablespoons
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
For the cheese mixture
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper
For the lasagna
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles About ½ lb.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the Italian sausage to a deep skillet and cook over medium heat until browned.
- While the sausage is cooking, dice the onion. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Continue to cook until the onion has softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine. Partially cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, egg, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water, add ½ Tbsp salt, and bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread about 1 cup of sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lay three noodles on top.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, cheese) two more times, finishing with the remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, turn the oven from bake to broil, and broil for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Watch it closely while broiling.
- Top with chopped parsley if desired. Slice into nine pieces.
