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Homemade Lasagna

Homemade Lasagna
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This homemade lasagna recipe layers rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella and parmesan, and tender pasta sheets to create a classic, hearty, and satisfying comfort food perfect for any occasion. Easy to customize and made from simple ingredients, it delivers a soul-warming dinner experience with every bite.

Ingredients

Lasagna Base

  • Lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular pasta sheets) – 12 sheets

Meat Sauce

  • Ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) – 1 lb (450g)
  • Tomato sauce (marinara or homemade with garlic and herbs) – 3 cups
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Fresh basil – 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh oregano – 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
  • Egg – 1, beaten
  • Fresh basil – 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Salt – a pinch

Toppings

  • Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups shredded
  • Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a creamy binding layer for the lasagna.
  3. Cook the Noodles: If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking. No-boil noodles can be used directly without pre-cooking.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread a portion of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Drizzle more sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and bubble to a golden finish. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Don’t Overload Sauce: Use a balanced amount of sauce to avoid soggy layers.
  • Drain the Ricotta: Strain ricotta cheese if watery to reduce excess moisture.
  • Let it Rest: Allow lasagna to sit 10–15 minutes after baking for cleaner slicing.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano greatly enhance flavor and aroma.
  • Choose Quality Cheese: High-quality mozzarella and parmesan impact the final taste noticeably.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, homemade lasagna, Italian comfort food, baked pasta, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/homemade-lasagna/