Description
Scrumptious layers of homemade lasagna reveal Italian culinary magic between sheets of pasta, ricotta, and rich marinara. Melted cheese and herbs create a comforting masterpiece that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (6 ounces/170 grams each) tomato paste
Liquid and Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Components:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Pasta:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente according to package instructions)
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat sauce by sautéing aromatic onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Brown ground beef thoroughly, eliminating excess fat.
- Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, optional red wine, and a medley of herbs. Season with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare the creamy cheese filling by whisking ricotta, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Heat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment for layered perfection.
- Construct the lasagna foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully arrange cooked lasagna noodles as the first structural layer.
- Build subsequent layers systematically: spread ricotta mixture, distribute mozzarella generously. Repeat layering process, ensuring even coverage and balanced ingredients.
- Culminate the layering with a final meat sauce blanket and abundant mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping.
- Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil, bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the lasagna to rest 15 minutes, enabling layers to set and flavors to stabilize before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, slice, and savor the rich, comforting masterpiece.
Notes
- Prevent watery lasagna by draining ground beef thoroughly and using minimal liquid in meat sauce.
- Create a lighter version by substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for traditional beef.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the meat sauce for extra complexity.
- Make ahead and freeze lasagna before baking for convenient meal preparation, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg