Best Lasagna Recipe

It was a chilly evening when I first attempted to make my best lasagna recipe. A steaming pot of rich meat sauce simmered on the stove, blending seamlessly with the heartiness of layers upon layers of pasta and cheesy goodness. I remember the delight in my family’s eyes as they gathered around the table, forks poised and ready for their first bite. It’s become more than just a meal; it’s a tradition, a cozy embrace on a winter night.

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of lasagna, shall we?

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked lasagna. I mean, who can resist layers of tender noodles enveloping a savory meat sauce kissed with herbs and then topped off with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella? It’s a dish that fills not just the stomach but the heart. This recipe stands out because the rich meat sauce simmers for hours, marrying all those flavors into something magical. And don’t even get me started on the cheese filling!

Beyond flavor, making lasagna is a labor of love. It’s the perfect dish for gatherings, and once you get the routine down, it’s both simple and rewarding. Plus, you can make it in advance and whip it out when the craving strikes!

Gather These Ingredients

To create this lasagna, you’ll need a few key players, each bringing its own unique flair:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil – to sauté the onions and garlic and start things off with a lovely aroma.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced – it adds a sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – because who doesn’t love garlic? It elevates every dish!
• 1 pound ground beef (93/7 blend) – using this blend helps keep the fat content in check while still giving us that lovely flavor.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes – to add texture and brightness to the sauce.
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce – this brings the bulk of our sauce!
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste – for richness and body.
• 1 cup water – helps to keep everything simmering nicely.
• 3 bay leaves – they infuse a subtle herbal note.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil & 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning – for that quintessential Italian flavor.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste – essential for flavor enhancement.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – a little pepper goes a long way.
• 1 large egg – it binds our cheese mix together beautifully.
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese – combining it with the egg makes it creamy and luscious.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for cheese filling) – just a pinch to season the cheese.
• 1 pound lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional) – your choice; each has its charm.
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated, divided – the gooey cheese that makes it irresistible.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – for a salty, nutty finish.

Preparing Best Lasagna Recipe

Let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Rich Meat Sauce:

   • Heat those 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—smell that? It’s divine!
   • Next up, add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the tomato paste for a few minutes until it darkens a touch.
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes, two cans of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of water. Toss in the bay leaves, dried basil, Italian Seasoning, sugar, salt, and a dash of black pepper. Bring that sauce to a gentle simmer. Turn down the heat, cover it partially, and let it work its magic for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to taste and tweak the spices! Remove those bay leaves when you’re done.

2. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Filling:

   • In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside, and let’s get saucy!

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1 to 1½ cups of meat sauce over the bottom. Layer down your lasagna noodles, dollop with one-third of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan. You see where this is going, right?
   • Repeat the layers! Sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, until you’re left with those glorious noodles on top. Pour the remaining meat sauce over, ensuring every noodle is covered. Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover it lightly with foil to prevent sticking.

4. Bake the Lasagna:

   • Slide your masterpiece into the oven for 45 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, crank the temperature up to 400°F (200°C), and let it bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Resting and Serving:

   • Trust me on this—let your lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before diving in! This waiting period lets everything settle and try to keep those layers intact. Serve it up with a fresh salad and some crusty garlic bread—because, yum!

Best Way to Enjoy It

Lasagna is best served like a warm hug on a plate. Pair it with a simple side salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Don’t forget that crusty garlic bread for scooping up sauce—it’s practically a requirement!

How to Store and Freeze

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can cover the remaining lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep in the fridge for about 4-5 days. For long-term storage, cut individual servings and freeze in airtight containers. It can last for up to 3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• If you want extra depth of flavor, toast the dried herbs in the olive oil before adding the onions.
• Don’t rush the resting time after baking—patience is key for perfect slices.
• For a lighter version, feel free to swap out ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or add in layers of sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try switching out the proteins with Italian sausage or even a mix of mushrooms for a lovely vegetarian twist. Adding sliced zucchini or roasted red peppers between the layers can also bring exciting flavors and textures!

Common Questions

1. How long does prep take? Getting everything ready takes about 30-45 minutes, but it’s worth every second!
2. Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
3. What if I don’t have ricotta? Cottage cheese works well too; just blend it until smooth if you like!
4. Can this be made gluten-free? Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta.
5. How do I ensure it’s not watery? Make sure to simmer the sauce long enough to reduce; draining the meat also helps!

In closing, this lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious endeavor that brings family and friends together. The layers of flavors, the ease of preparation, and that bubbling, cheesy goodness make it a must-try. I strongly encourage you to give this a whirl! And remember, don’t hesitate to add your own twist and share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear about your favorite lasagna stories!

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Best Lasagna Recipe

Cooking Method: Baking, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy D Delicious High Protein Non Vegetarian W Warm

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 46 hrs 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 650

Best Season: Winter

Description

This lasagna recipe features layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients for Best Lasagna Recipe

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Meat Sauce

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (adds sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for flavor)
• 1 pound ground beef (93/7 blend) (for flavor with lower fat)
• 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (adds texture)
• 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce (for bulk of sauce)
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste (for richness)
• 1 cup water (for simmering)
• 3 bay leaves (for herbal note)
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil (for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (for flavor)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
• 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning)

Cheese Filling

• 1 large egg (to bind the cheese mixture)
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (for creaminess)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

Lasagna Assembly

• 1 pound lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (divided for layering)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

Make the Rich Meat Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   Mark as complete

2. Brown the Beef

   Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown for 8-10 minutes, then drain excess fat.
   Stir in tomato paste for a few minutes until it darkens.
   Mark as complete

3. Combine Sauce Ingredients

   Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Add bay leaves, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   Bring to a gentle simmer and cover partially for 1.5-2 hours.
   Mark as complete

4. Finish Sauce

   Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
   Mark as complete

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Filling

1. Mix Cheese Filling

   In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
   Mark as complete

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Layer Ingredients

   Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish. Spread 1-1.5 cups of meat sauce on the bottom, layer noodles, add ricotta mixture and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers.
   Finish with remaining noodles and meat sauce, topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
   Mark as complete

Bake the Lasagna

1. Oven Time

   Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, increase temperature to 400°F, and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden.
   Mark as complete

Resting and Serving

1. Let it Rest

   Allow lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes. Serve with salad and garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 60g20%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 8g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 25 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Can be made in advance and refrigerated before baking. Great for freezing leftovers.

Keywords: lasagna, comfort food, family recipe, Italian cuisine