Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its layers of pasta, rich meat or vegetable sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce. Here’s a traditional recipe for making a delicious lasagna:
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boil according to package instructions)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground Italian sausage (you can also use a mix of both)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and season with salt, pepper, basil, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat this layering with noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and cheese. Top with the final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve and prevents the layers from falling apart. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. It pairs well with a side salad and some garlic bread. Enjoy your homemade lasagna!