Description
Cheesy Classic Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 lb (450g) ground pork (or Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of salt
Other Components:
9-12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and pork over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Layer the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer with lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake:
Cover with foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with layers of rich flavors and gooey cheese!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect layering. First, ensure your meat sauce is simmered and your ricotta mixture is ready. Cook noodles until al dente. In your 9×13 dish, start with a 1-cup thin layer of meat sauce to prevent sticking. Add a single layer of noodles (about 3-4). Using a spoon, dollop half the ricotta mixture over noodles and spread gently. Add 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat: noodles, remaining ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella. Final layer: last noodles, remaining meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan. This order ensures every bite is balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Let the baked lasagna rest for 15 minutes; this is crucial for clean slices. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and warm, garlic-buttered breadsticks. For a lighter side, try roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with the rich tomato and meat flavors.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Brown meats, add aromatics and tomato products to create a simmered sauce. Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and parsley. In a baking dish, layer: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella. Repeat, ending with sauce and cheeses. Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes. Ensure your sauce has enough liquid and spread it thinly. The noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce during baking.
How do I freeze lasagna? Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta? Yes, for a different texture. Blend cottage cheese until smoother before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Why is my lasagna watery? This is often due to excess moisture from vegetables or not simmering the sauce long enough. Ensure your meat sauce is thick before assembling, and drain ricotta if it’s very wet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook noodles only to al dente; they will soften further during baking.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart. Patience is key for perfect slices.
- Using only one type of meat: The blend of beef and pork (or sausage) creates a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Forgetting to season each component: Taste and season your meat sauce and ricotta mixture separately.
- Letting foil stick to the cheese: Tent the foil or spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent a cheesy mess.
Conclusion
Mastering this classic lasagna is a rewarding culinary achievement. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the make-ahead tips, you can consistently create a hearty, crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any meal. The rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta embody the essence of comfort food. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!