Classic Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has earned a beloved place in kitchens around the world. This hearty meal is composed of layers of delicious pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes lasagna a popular choice for family dinners, gatherings, and special occasions. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this detailed recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering lasagna that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Lasagna Noodles
  • 12 lasagna noodles
• Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Cheese Filling
  • 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Ingredients
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:

   • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until they are al dente, about 8 minutes.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water.
   • Lay the noodles flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until well browned.
   • Drain off any excess fat.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
   • Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley.
   • Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 2 tablespoons parsley.
   • Mix well until smooth.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce.
   • Spread with one third of the ricotta cheese mixture.
   • Top with one third of the mozzarella cheese slices.
   • Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over the mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

   • Cover with foil: To prevent sticking, either spray

Nutritional Information per Serving

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and fresh basil can elevate the flavor of your lasagna.
2. Cook Noodles Al Dente: If you are using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Layer Evenly: Spread the sauce, cheese, and noodles evenly to ensure each bite is flavorful.
4. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking; this makes it easier to cut and serve.
5. Drain Grease: If your meat sauce is greasy, drain the grease before layering to avoid a soggy lasagna.
6. Covered Baking: Bake covered with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Cheese Variations: Mixing cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, adds complexity to the flavor.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve lasagna hot, preferably on a warmed plate to maintain the dish’s temperature. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for a touch of color. Accompany with a side salad with a light vinaigrette and a slice of garlic bread. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of lasagna.

Storage Conditions

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, lasagna can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

Health Benefits

Lasagna can be a well-balanced meal providing carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It is also an excellent source of calcium, especially from the cheese, and contains iron from the meat sauce. By adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, you can increase the fiber and vitamin content, making it a more nutritious option.

Recommendations for Vegans

For a vegan version of lasagna, substitute the meat sauce with a hearty marinara sauce filled with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils for added protein. Use vegan cheeses or creamy tofu blended with nutritional yeast as a substitute for ricotta and mozzarella. Ensure that the lasagna noodles are egg-free, or use vegetable-based noodles.

Similar Recipes

• Vegetable Lasagna: A lighter version with layers of vegetables instead of meat.
• Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: A flavorful twist with spinach and creamy ricotta filling.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of breaded and fried eggplant with marinara and cheese.
• Bolognese Lasagna: Rich meat sauce with minced beef, pork, and pancetta.
• Zucchini Lasagna: Low-carb alternative using thinly sliced zucchini in place of noodles.

Use this information to create a delightful lasagna experience, tailored to perfection for any audience. Enjoy!