Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that many people love. This layered pasta meal is hearty, filling, and perfect for family gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular dinner, this lasagna recipe will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe
This lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. It combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles. Plus, it can be made in advance and is great for leftovers. Everyone loves a warm, cheesy slice of lasagna, making it a perfect choice for any meal.
How to Make Lasagna
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7)
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese (grated, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, combine the grated mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to make the cheese filling.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese filling. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Lasagna
Lasagna is best served warm. Slice it into squares and serve on plates. You can garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a nice touch. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Lasagna
You can store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Tips to Make Lasagna
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian lasagna by substituting the ground beef with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use a meatless sauce, and you’ll have a delicious alternative for non-meat eaters.
FAQs
Can I prepare lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it properly.How do I know when the lasagna is done cooking?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot throughout.Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix different cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra flavor.
Lasagna
Ingredients
For the meat sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7)
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
For the cheese filling
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (grated)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
For assembly
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese (grated, for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the grated mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to make the cheese filling.
Cooking
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese filling. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
