Description
Ultimate Lasagna Tower
Ingredients:
Italian sausage or beef
Cheeses (ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella)
Pasta, marinara, onions, garlic, and parsley
Instructions:
Cook sausage, add marinara, and season.
Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and parsley for a creamy filling.
Layer noodles, ricotta, sauce, and cheese. Repeat and top generously.
Bake covered, then uncovered for golden perfection.
Pro Tip: Add grated zucchini to the sauce for a veggie boost!
#UltimateLasagna
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the lasagna noodles. Cook according to package directions for ‘al dente,’ then drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of Italian sausage (or ground beef) until browned. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking until soft. Stir in 4 cups of marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of sauce, and a handful of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers (noodles, remaining ricotta, sauce, mozzarella). For the final layer, add noodles, the remaining sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and warm, garlic-infused focaccia bread. For a lighter pairing, opt for a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. A robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors.
How-to Summary
Brown meat with aromatics, simmer with sauce. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and herbs for the filling. In a dish, layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat, finishing with cheese. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, you can. Ensure there is ample sauce surrounding the noodles. You may need to add a little extra sauce or a splash of water to the dish before baking.
How do I freeze baked lasagna? Let it cool completely after baking. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in a 350°F oven.
What’s the best way to get clean slices? The crucial step is letting the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut neat portions.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta? Yes, many cooks prefer it. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other filling ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the lasagna immediately will cause a soupy, messy slide. Patience is key for perfect layers.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Boil noodles only until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked noodles become mushy.
- Using Cold Cheese Filling: Let the ricotta mixture come to room temperature for easier, more even spreading.
- Not Seasoning Each Layer: Taste your sauce and cheese mixture. Seasoning every component builds depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Mastering the Ultimate Lasagna Tower is about layering robust flavors and textures with care. By following this detailed guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and adding your own personal touch—like the pro-tip zucchini boost—you’ll create a spectacular, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. This dish is a celebration of comfort food at its finest, perfect for sharing and savoring.
