Deliciously Rich Lasagna Recipe for Your Next Dinner Party

Are you tired of constantly ordering takeout or going out to eat just to satisfy your cravings for a delicious lasagna? Look no further because I have the recipe for you!

(2) Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This perfectly easy lasagna recipe is not only mouth-watering, but it’s also very simple and effortless to make. It’s the perfect dish for those busy weeknights or even for your next dinner party. Trust me, your guests will be begging you for the recipe!

(3) Ingredient List

To make this homemade lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients: lasagna noodles, meat sauce (made with lean ground beef and Italian sausage), Italian tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, garlic cloves, water, oregano leaves, parsley, basil leaves, frozen chopped spinach, eggs, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and ground black pepper.

(4) The Recipe How-To

Firstly, boil the noodles until they’re tender and then set them aside. Then cook the lean ground beef and Italian sausage along with some garlic until it browns. Next up is making the sauce by combining some crushed tomatoes and Italian tomatoes along with oregano leaves and parsley. Add water and let it simmer for a while before adding in the browned beef and sausage mixture.

In a separate bowl combine ricotta cheese, eggs, frozen chopped spinach, parmesan cheese and some ground black pepper. Mix well.

Next up is making the layers. Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place an even layer of noodles on top of this sauce, then add another 1 cup of sauce followed by an even layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of this layer before repeating the noodle-sauce-cheese pattern till you reach the top.

Finally sprinkle some more mozzarella cheese on top before placing it in a preheated oven at 350F/175C

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our Perfectly Easy Lasagna
Our Perfectly Easy Lasagna

Listen up, my fellow food enthusiasts because I’ve got some exciting news for y’all. If you’re a lasagna lover, then you’d be thrilled to learn that I have stumbled upon the perfect and easy lasagna recipe. Hands down, it’s the best lasagna recipe that you will ever come across.

First things first, this recipe ticks all the boxes when it comes to flavor – deliciously well-seasoned meat sauce, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy cheese mixture made with ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Just talking about it makes my mouth water.

Aside from being packed with flavors, this perfectly easy lasagna recipe will save you a ton of time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients that are easily available – ground beef or Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, frozen chopped spinach, and cheese – this recipe will reduce your prep time considerably.

Plus, you can customize it to your preferences by adding other ingredients like onion and garlic cloves for extra flavor. And if you’re looking to make it healthier, swap the beef for lean ground turkey or chicken and add some vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make a vegetable lasagna.

The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. No complicated bechamel sauce or fancy cooking techniques involved here. Simply cook the meat sauce until it’s nice and flavorful, mix your cheese perfectly in a bowl (I like adding a sprinkle of black pepper for extra zing), boil your noodles until they’re perfectly al dente – and layer your way to cheesy heaven!

In short, this recipe will change the way you look at homemade lasagna forever! So why not give it a try today? Who knows, it just might become everyone’s favorite dish at your next dinner party.

Ingredient List

 Bite into layers of cheesy goodness with our Perfectly Easy Lasagna.
Bite into layers of cheesy goodness with our Perfectly Easy Lasagna.

Let’s talk about the crucial ingredients for this perfectly easy lasagna recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans of Italian tomatoes, crushed
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Lasagna Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Ricotta Cheese Mixture

  • 16 ounces (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water

For a healthier choice, use lean ground beef in your meat sauce. If you’re vegetarian or just want to add more veggies to your diet, consider adding some frozen chopped spinach to your ricotta cheese mixture or layering in some roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetable lasagna.

The Recipe How-To

 No need to dine out, this lasagna is easy to make at home!
No need to dine out, this lasagna is easy to make at home!

Now, it is time for the most important part of this article: how to make our perfectly easy lasagna recipe. This recipe is so easy that even my dog could probably make it (if dogs had opposable thumbs, of course). So, without further ado, let’s jump into the recipe how-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all our ingredients together. Here is what you will need:

  • 1 box of lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 pound of Italian sausage
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 1 can of Italian tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley
  • Half a cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Half a package of thawed and squeezed dry frozen chopped spinach

How to Cook
Step One: Preparing the Meat Sauce

Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and brown them for about eight minutes or until cooked through.

Afterwards, add salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, Italian tomatoes, water, garlic, oregano, parsley and basil. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and let everything cook for a minimum of one hour stirring occasionally.

Step Two: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

While your meat sauce cooks, prepare your cheese mixture. In a bowl combine the ricotta cheese with Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs. Add the thawed and squeezed spinach and mix well.

Step Three: Boiling Lasagna Noodles

At this point fill a large pot with water making sure there is enough space for the lasagna noodles to move around freely. Bring the water to boil then toss in the noodles gradually while stirring occasionally. Cook for about eight minutes making sure not to overcook them since they will continue cooking in the oven.

Step Four: Assembling Your Lasagna

Time to put it all together!

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Then use some olive oil to lightly grease your lasagna baking dish.

Ladle some meat sauce onto the sauce bottom baking dish making an even layer on which you will lay your first layer of noodles. Spread even layer of your cheese mixture over your noodle layer and top it generously with mozzarella cheese.

Repeat these layers until you have run out ingredients making sure that both your first sauce layer and last noodle layer are made only from meat sauce

Substitutions and Variations

 Make it a pasta night with our flavorful lasagna.
Make it a pasta night with our flavorful lasagna.

Are you looking to switch things up with your lasagna recipe? Luckily, this dish is quite flexible and can be customized to fit your personal preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:

1. Swap the meat: While Italian sausage and ground beef are great options, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. If you prefer a vegetarian lasagna, replace the meat with vegetables like zucchini, mushroom, or eggplant.

2. Use a different cheese: The classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is hard to beat, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. For example, try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a more southwestern twist.

3. Add more spices: While our recipe uses parsley, basil, and oregano for flavoring, you can add whatever spices suit your taste buds. Consider adding some red pepper flakes for heat or cumin for an earthy note.

4. Try different noodles: You don’t have to stick to traditional lasagna noodles if you want to mix things up! Experiment with using whole wheat noodles or even no-boil noodles for a quicker prep time.

5. Make it healthier: If you’re looking to make a healthier version of lasagna, try using low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, as well as whole wheat noodles or zucchini slices instead of pasta.

Remember that the sky’s the limit when it comes to lasagna! Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this classic dish.

Serving and Pairing

 You won't believe how simple it is to make this delicious lasagna.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make this delicious lasagna.

Welcome to serving and pairing. Take it from me, there is nothing as satisfying than devouring a well-prepared lasagna. It always hits the spot, and having it accompanied by the right drink or side dish takes the meal to another level. Here are some great ideas for you.

First up, go for Wine. Lasagna and red wine make a perfect duo. The acidity of the tomatoes in the lasagna pairs well with the tannins in red wine. You can try out a Chianti or a Merlot – they will both take your lasagna experience to the next level.

Next, let’s talk about sides. Start with a bread basket – garlic bread is always a hit. The warmth of freshly baked bread matches so well with lasagna’s cheesy goodness that it’s practically mandatory to have it on hand. Additionally, you can serve your lasagna with a green salad or even better, oven-roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

Finally, for those who love spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to your lasagna recipe, and serve with hot sauce on the side or within your plate – this will give your taste buds that fiery pop that they need!

In summary, when serving your perfectly easy lasagna recipe, keep in mind that red wines are perfect for pairing with it. Offer up some delicious crusty bread, roasted vegetables or a side salad for more texture and flavor contrast. Also, don’t be afraid to customize the spiciness level according to your preference – and for those who love their taste buds tingling in spice heaven, toss in some extra heat!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Enjoy the aroma of basil and oregano that fills your home when making our Perfectly Easy Lasagna.
Enjoy the aroma of basil and oregano that fills your home when making our Perfectly Easy Lasagna.

Ah, the joys of having leftovers. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you already have a delicious meal waiting for you in the fridge to be reheated and savored. And let me tell you, our perfectly easy lasagna recipe is an excellent contender for leftovers.

Want to save some time on the day of your dinner party or family gathering? No problem, prepare your lasagna ahead of time and simply store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Or better yet, put that baby in the freezer and have it ready for any unexpected guests or busy weeknight dinners.

To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe how-to from Steps 1-4, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, cover with foil and slip into a large ziplock freezer bag for extra protection. Your lasagna can stay frozen for up to 3 months before it’s time for its moment of glory.

And reheating? Well, that couldn’t be easier either. For best results, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) first. Then place your lasagna on the middle rack (covered with foil if it’s been frozen), and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until everything is heated through evenly. If using a microwave instead, set the power level at 50%, and reheat in 2-3 minute intervals until thoroughly hot.

If you have any leftovers after reheating (I doubt it!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week before enjoying again. With all of these storing and reheating options, you’ll never waste a slice of this perfectly easy lasagna recipe ever again!

Tips for Perfect Results

 This classic Italian dish will become a crowd favorite at your next dinner party.
This classic Italian dish will become a crowd favorite at your next dinner party.

They say cooking is an art, but I disagree. It’s more like a science: if you don’t follow the recipe correctly, it will affect the final product. However, sometimes even when we follow every instruction, the results might not be what we’ve hoped for. That’s why I want to share with you some tips to ensure a perfect lasagna every time.

Layering is important: When making lasagna, it’s essential to layer everything perfectly. Start by adding a thin layer of meat sauce to the bottom of your baking dish, then place 3-4 cooked noodles on top of that. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and some extra mozzarella cheese.

Let it rest before serving: Lasagna tastes much better after it has been allowed to rest for 10 – 15 minutes once it comes out of the oven. The resting time allows the cheese and tasty flavors to meld together properly.

Use fresh herbs: For an outstanding lasagna recipe like ours, using fresh herbs is crucial to getting the best result. You can use parsley or basil leaves for a more traditional Italian flavor or oregano leaves for a more robust taste. Or try mixed herb seasoning as a way to make your lasagna taste even more delicious.

Cook noodles properly: Overcooking your noodles can ruin your entire dish because they can become too soft and mushy when baked with other ingredients. Boil lasagna noodles for 8-10 minutes in lightly salted water (until al dente), then drain immediately and rinse under cold water to keep them from sticking together.

Don’t forget sauce on top layers: While most people focus on spreading sauce on the bottom layers of their lasagna recipe food, many forget about doing so on top layers as well. If you leave those layers dry, they’ll cook up crunchy instead of melting into each other.

Balance moisture and dryness: Lasagna that’s too dry will be unappetizing while too moist will be runny and lack structure. A perfect balance between moisture and dryness is essential for enjoyable lasagna experiences for everyone involved.

Experiment with substitutions: Lasagnas are incredibly versatile! Try changing out ingredients such as ground beef with ground turkey or adding spinach for a vegetable lasagna. You’ll find that these substitutions add their own unique flair to our perfectly easy homemade lasagna recipe.

Don’t skip any ingredient: Last but not least tip is never skipping any ingredient in a recipe food com. With lasagna recipes having multiple steps involved and many intentional ingredients like parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese mixture or mozzarella cheese, each component builds upon one another to make something tasty.

Follow these tips the next time you cook lasagnas; I guarantee you your guests will leave amazed at just how good it can taste if made perfectly easy!

FAQ

Now, you may have some questions about the recipe. So, to clear any doubts and avoid any confusion, I’ve prepared a list of frequently asked questions and their answers below. Keep reading for more information on this perfectly easy lasagna recipe.

What is the correct order to layer lasagna?

To create a scrumptious lasagna dish, start by spreading a fine layer of pasta sauce on the base of a baking dish. Next, layer it up with some pre-cooked lasagna sheets. After that, create an evenly spread layer of ricotta cheese mix followed by a meaty sauce layer. Repeat those layers for two more times. Finally, top it all off with a last layer of pasta sheets, sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

How many layers of lasagna is best?

To assemble the lasagna, make sure you have a total of four layers of noodles. It’s recommended to use the wide noodles for the first and last layers. In case you don’t have enough noodles, you can always add the extra ones in either the top or bottom layers.

Should you bake lasagna covered or uncovered?

Alright, here’s the lowdown on how to bake my delicious homemade lasagna to perfection. First things first: set your oven to preheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s heated up and ready to go, pop the lasagna in there and let it bake for about 50 minutes. For the first 30-40 minutes, make sure it’s covered. Once that’s done, take off the cover and let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. By the end of it all, your lasagna should be cooked to a T. Catch you later, alligator!

Should lasagna have 2 or 3 layers?

When it comes to lasagna, it seems that three layers is the magic number. According to experts in the culinary field, any recipe with less than three layers does not qualify as a true lasagna dish.

Bottom Line

: So there you have it, folks! Our perfectly easy lasagna recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. With simple and readily available ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your individual taste. From the meat sauce to the cheese mixture, every layer of this lasagna promises to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.

So why settle for store-bought lasagna when you can make your own homemade version? Not only will it impress your friends and family, but it’s also a cost-effective way to feed a crowd. Plus, with the option to make ahead and store leftovers for another day, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy night in.

Give this recipe a try and I promise you won’t regret it. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s sure to become your go-to lasagna recipe for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get cooking!

Our Perfectly Easy Lasagna

Our Perfectly Easy Lasagna Recipe

After trying several different recipes for lasagna, and combining the best of the best, I think I found the best combination yet. I will admit that this is not for the faint of heart; this is a very hearty dish. *At the suggestion of a fellow Zaarian, use regular lasagna noodles (not the no boil type).
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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 15 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Calories 774.5 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (Johnsonville bulk)
  • 1 lb ground round
  • 2 (28 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, of your choice, divided
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Italian tomatoes, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons oregano leaves
  • 1 tablespoon basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 (15 ounce) packages ricotta cheese (Sargento)
  • 6 cups mozzarella cheese, grated, divided
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, cooked, drained & cooled
  • 1 (8 ounce) package lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • 6 slices smoked provolone cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large skillet brown the sausage and ground round; drain well.
  • Add 1-1/2 jars spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, water, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley & 1/2 teaspoons black pepper.
  • Stir to mix well; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • In large bowl combine ricotta cheese, 4 cups mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, remaining black pepper, and spinach. Mix well.
  • In 10x11x3 lasagna pan, cover bottom with approximately 1 cup meat sauce.
  • Place 4 uncooked lasagna noodles over sauce;cover with an additional 1 cup sauce.
  • Spread 1/2 of the cheese mixture over the sauce.
  • Place the 6 slices of Provolone over cheese mixture.
  • Repeat layers of noodles, sauce, cheese, noodles and remaining sauce (including remaining jar).
  • Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove foil; top with remaining 2 cups cheese.
  • Bake for additional 15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let stand 20 to 30 minutes before cutting.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 422gCalories: 774.5kcalCarbohydrates: 32.9gProtein: 47.9gFat: 49.7gSaturated Fat: 24.8gCholesterol: 195.2mgSodium: 1479mgFiber: 3.9gSugar: 9.3g
Keyword < 4 Hours, One-Dish Meal
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