Lasagna, the classic Italian comfort food, is a hearty dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and gooey melted cheese on top. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will help you create a lasagna that's guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- ½ pound (225g) ground pork or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
For the Pasta and Topping:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups (1 pound/450g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Tools You'll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sauce
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Foil for covering the dish
- Ladle or large spoon for layering
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes.
- Drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 3–4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a generous layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a layer of meat sauce and a thick topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs, good-quality tomatoes, and fresh cheese make a noticeable difference.
- Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Slightly undercook the noodles since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna tastes even better the next day. Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Customize Your Layers: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Freeze for Later: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your lasagna with:
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot)
Conclusion
Lasagna is a dish that brings people together with its rich flavors and hearty texture. While it takes some effort, the result is a delicious meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. With this detailed recipe, you’re on your way to mastering this Italian classic.
