Classic Lasagna: A Hearty Italian Comfort Food

Classic Lasagna: A Hearty Italian Comfort Food

Lasagna, a rich and satisfying Italian dish, is a beloved classic enjoyed by many. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and ricotta create a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here’s a classic lasagna recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
   • Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavor.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
   • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
   • Top with a layer of lasagna noodles.
   • Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat layers with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
   • Finish with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use homemade meat sauce.
• You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to the meat sauce.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat sauce and use a marinara sauce or vegetable-based sauce.
• You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna! This hearty and delicious dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Would you like to try a different variation, such as a vegetarian or gluten-free lasagna?