Homemade Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish consisting of layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a hint of basil, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces / 800g)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces / 170g)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 piece egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Lasagna
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- 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 melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
You can prepare the sauce and ricotta mixture a day in advance for quicker assembly. Feel free to use different cheeses like provolone or a blend of your favorites for added flavor. Consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for a healthier option. For a vegetarian option, simply replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables or store-bought vegan meat alternatives.