Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. Making lasagna from scratch may seem intimidating, but with this easy and delicious recipe, you’ll be able to create a homemade lasagna that will impress your friends and family. Here’s how to make the best homemade lasagna:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture and a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This homemade lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the meat sauce a rich and savory flavor, while the layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheese add a creamy and cheesy element. Don’t be afraid to add your own spin to this recipe by incorporating your favorite vegetables or spices.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this homemade lasagna recipe is sure to become a go-to for a delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional noodles. Just make sure to add a little extra sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
- You can make the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, you can assemble the lasagna quickly and easily on the day you want to serve it.
- If you prefer a vegetarian lasagna, you can omit the meat and substitute with vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- For a lighter version of this recipe, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage, and low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor to the meat sauce. For example, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or dried oregano and basil for an Italian flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try layering in some sliced hard-boiled eggs or cooked sliced potatoes between the layers of meat sauce and cheese.
- If you have leftover lasagna, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
In conclusion, this homemade lasagna recipe is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With layers of meat sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and tender pasta, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household. Customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade lasagna!
