Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Delicious Classic Italian Dish
Welcome to my simple lasagna recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Lasagna is the quintessential comfort food and always draws people together. Whether you are a seasoned home chef looking for a new recipe or a beginner wanting to try your hand at Italian cuisine, my recipe is one you should definitely try.
My recipe is the embodiment of the classic lasagna; it is homemade, easy to make, and delicious. I have tweaked this dish over time to create an effortless and straightforward version that will wow your family and guests.
In this article, I will guide you, step by step, through the essentials of this classic dish. You will learn how to make the best meat sauce, the perfect balance of cheese filling, and baked noodles layered with all kinds of flavors. Trust me; it will be worth it.
With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can create restaurant-quality lasagna in no time without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. So gather up some fresh pasta sheets, creamy cheese filling, juicy meat sauce, and follow me as we cook up one of my favorite recipes. Get ready to hear compliments like ‘This is the best lasagna ever’ or ‘You should open your restaurant with these lasagnas’.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and join me in making this simply amazing lasagna recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for an easy lasagna recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this simple and delicious homemade lasagna recipe! I guarantee that this family favorite will be a hit for any occasion – whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special weekend gathering with friends and family.
So why will you love this recipe? For starters, it requires minimal prep time and uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to make this classic lasagna – it’s easy enough for beginners to follow, but still flavorful and impressive enough to please even the most discerning palate.
With a combination of tender lasagna noodles, hearty meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese filling, this best lasagna recipe is comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s completely customizable – you can switch up the amounts or types of meats used or add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
And if you think homemade lasagna is too time-consuming to make on a regular basis, think again! Once you master the basic steps, you can easily whip up large batches ahead of time and store them in the freezer for later. It’s also a great dish for serving at parties – simply cut into slices and serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or other Italian-style favorites.
So what are you waiting for? Give this easy-to-make but hard-to-resist spaghetti sauce recipe a try today and see for yourself why it’s been dubbed “the simplest, tastiest lasagna ever.”
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this simple lasagna recipe:
Meat sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
Lasagna layers:
- 16 oz box of lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided in two parts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Other ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to season the meat sauce
These ingredients are all you need to make the best and easiest lasagna ever! And don’t worry, you can easily find them at your local grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Tip: Reserve some pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
- In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break up any clumps with a spoon or spatula.
Step 2: Make The Meat Sauce
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Pour in your favorite spaghetti or pasta sauce, and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let this simmer stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Make The Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you want more creamy texture, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
Step 4: Assemble The Lasagna
- Spread olive oil in baking dish then ladle a layer of meat sauce along with some ground beef on top.
- Arrange lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce layer.
- Spread one-third of the cheese filling over the noodles and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over it.
- Repeat these layers (meat sauce > noodle > cheese filling > mozzarella) until you have used all ingredients.
Step 5: Bake The Lasagna
- Cover lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and put in oven at 375°F for 25 minutes
- After 25 minutes remove foil from lasagna and bake uncovered for additional 25 minutes
- To check if done, sides should be bubbling & golden brown
Serve piping hot with garlic bread or a caesar salad on the side!
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this lasagna recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, you may want to switch things up a bit and experiment with different ingredients. Here are some possible substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Meats: Instead of using a combination of bulk Italian sausage and ground beef, you can use all beef or all pork sausage. You can also try substituting meat with plant-based alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Ground.
– Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or spinach is an easy way to make your lasagna healthier and more flavorful. Simply saute or roast the veggies before layering them in.
– Cheese: While mozzarella cheese is a must-have for lasagna, you can get creative with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, fontina or gouda. You can also substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
– Sauce: While homemade pasta sauce tastes amazing, you can definitely save time by using store-bought sauce or marinara sauce. You can also add a splash of wine to your sauce for added flavor.
– Noodles: If you’re running low on lasagna noodles, you can substitute them with no-boil lasagna noodles, regular pasta sheets or even cooked spaghetti.
By being creative with your ingredients, you’ll be able to come up with a delicious spin on this classic lasagna recipe. Just remember to keep the measurements and oven temperature the same when swapping out ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
This simple lasagna recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile addition to any party or potluck.
For a classic Italian meal, serve your lasagna with garlic bread and a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The acidity in the salad will cut through the richness of the lasagna, while the garlic bread adds a subtle crunch.
If you’re looking for something heartier, try pairing your lasagna with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. The roasted veggies help balance the flavor profile and add a nice depth of flavor to your meal.
Another way to serve your lasagna is by adding some protein on the side, like grilled chicken or shrimp. This will make your meal more substantial and give guests an option to customize their plate according to their preferences.
Lastly, when it comes to drinks to pair with lasagna, you can’t go wrong with red wine. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti will complement the meaty flavors of the lasagna perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving sparkling water or an Italian soda.
No matter how you choose to serve your simple lasagna recipe, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a family favorite that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This simple lasagna recipe is perfect for preparing in advance, allowing you to focus on entertaining your guests. To make ahead, simply prepare the lasagna as instructed in the recipe, then let it cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. The sauce and noodles will continue to absorb moisture as it cools, making for a delicious end result.
To store the lasagna, keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s important to avoid drying out the lasagna by covering it with foil or a lid before placing in the oven or microwave until heated through. Alternatively, you may reheat individual portions in the microwave at high power until heated through.
For best results, avoid freezing this dish as freezing may cause the noodles and cheese to become watery and less desirable. If freezing is necessary, however, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve again, let the lasagna defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as suggested above.
With these make-ahead and storage options available, you can enjoy your homemade lasagna any time without having to cook from scratch every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect lasagna can seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to creating a masterpiece that will impress any crowd.
1. Use Good Quality Ingredients: The success of any recipe depends on the quality of ingredients used. To make the best lasagna, use fresh and high-quality cheese, olive oil, beef, and other ingredients.
2. Cook Lasagna Noodles Al Dente: To prevent your lasagna from becoming soggy, make sure to cook your noodles al dente before assembling the dish. Al dente is an Italian term that means “to the tooth,” which refers to pasta that’s cooked until it’s firm, but not hard.
3. Season Your Meat Sauce: To add depth of flavor to your meat sauce, sauté onions and garlic and then brown the meat before adding the sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring out the flavors.
4. Let Your Lasagna Rest: Once you take your lasagna out of the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help set the lasagna and make it easier to cut without falling apart.
5. Add Extra Cheese on Top: If you’re a cheese lover, add an additional layer of shredded mozzarella cheese to the lasagna right before baking. This will create a delicious cheesy crust on top of your lasagna.
6. Cover Your Lasagna with Foil: By covering your lasagna with foil while baking, you’ll help ensure even cooking and prevent burning or drying out.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time and impress all of your guests with your homemade lasagna!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this simple lasagna recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of flavors and textures from the beef, cheese, and pasta sauce creates an unforgettable dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with the option to customize and substitute certain ingredients, you can make it your own.
So what are you waiting for? Give this easy homemade lasagna recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a family favorite and one that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again. Don’t be intimidated by the layers – with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, anyone can make this classic lasagna dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Simple Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage or 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce, any flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Prepare Lasagna as package directs.
- Combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese, eggs, 1 cup mozzarella, and chopped parsley; mix well.
- Combine Pasta sauce and cooked meat, mixing well.
- On bottom of lightly greased 15x9-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup pasta sauce.
- Top with half each of the PRINCE Lasagna, ricotta cheese mixture, meat & pasta sauce mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layering.
- Top with parsley. Cover; bake 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover; let stand 15 minutes before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!