Description
Classic Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
(optional)
For Assembly:
9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Additional mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and spinach. Mix well.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, a layer of sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Repeat layers, finishing with a top layer of noodles, sauce, and additional mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy this cheesy, comforting masterpiece!
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect layering and baking. After browning your meat and preparing the sauce and filling as instructed, focus on assembly. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread just enough sauce to thinly coat the bottom. This prevents sticking. Place 3-4 cooked noodles side-by-side for the first layer. Evenly spread one-third of the ricotta filling over the noodles. Next, spoon a generous layer of meat sauce over the cheese. Sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this sequence—noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella—two more times. Your final layer should be noodles topped with the remaining sauce and a thick blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Covering with foil for the first half of baking ensures even cooking without drying out the top.
Serving Suggestions
Let the lasagna rest for a full 10 minutes after baking; this allows the layers to set for clean slices. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and warm, garlic-buttered breadsticks or a rustic loaf. For a complete Italian feast, start with a simple antipasto platter. Leftovers reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Brown meat and simmer sauce with aromatics. 2) Mix ricotta, cheeses, egg, and spinach for the filling. 3) In a dish, layer: sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, mozzarella. Repeat. 4) Top with final noodles, sauce, and more cheese. 5) Bake covered for 25 min at 375°F, then uncovered for 15 min until golden. 6) Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to boil the noodles first? Not necessarily. You can use “no-boil” lasagna noodles, but ensure there is enough sauce directly surrounding them to provide moisture for cooking.
How can I prevent a watery lasagna? Let your meat sauce simmer and thicken sufficiently. Also, thoroughly drain cooked noodles and pat them dry, or use the no-boil variety.
Can I freeze baked lasagna? Yes. Cool completely, wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta? Cottage cheese (small curd) is a common substitute. For a smoother texture, blend it briefly before using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-saucing the bottom or layers: This can make the lasagna soggy. Use sauce moderately between layers.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart. Patience is key for perfect slices.
- Using cold filling: Bringing your ricotta mixture to near room temperature before assembling helps with even baking.
- Not seasoning the ricotta mixture: Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs to the cheese filling for flavor in every bite.
Conclusion
Mastering homemade lasagna is a rewarding culinary achievement. This recipe provides a classic, flexible foundation that welcomes your personal touches, from extra vegetables to different herbs. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the tips provided, you’ll create a deeply satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. The comforting layers of pasta, savory sauce, and melted cheese are always worth the effort.