Classic Lasagna 

Classic Lasagna

Introduction:

Lasagna is a comforting and hearty Italian dish that has become a favorite in households worldwide.

It’s a layered pasta dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and tender pasta sheets, all baked to perfection until bubbly and golden.

The combination of flavors and textures in lasagna is what makes it so beloved: the savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese provide a balanced, soul-warming meal.

Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, ready to be baked when needed.

It’s a versatile dish, as you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, making it vegetarian, swapping meats, or adding in more vegetables for a healthier twist.

No matter how you prepare it, lasagna remains a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

For the cheese filling:

1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, for a lighter option)

1 large egg

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For assembling the lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Cook the meat: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.

Add the aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the browned meat and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Season the sauce: Add the basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the ricotta: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Set aside: Once the cheese mixture is prepared, set it aside until you are ready to assemble the lasagna.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente.
2. Drain and cool: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a baking sheet or a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the sauce: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the noodles: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to create an even layer.
4. Add the cheese filling: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, using a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly.
5. Add the sauce: Spoon another layer of meat sauce over the ricotta layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer.
7. Repeat the layers: Continue layering the ingredients in the following order: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese. Repeat until you have used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a final layer of mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the top layer of the lasagna with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a crispy top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly). Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and continue baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Rest the lasagna: Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife or spatula to slice the lasagna into squares. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.
2. Optional garnishes: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips and Variations:

1. Make-ahead lasagna: Lasagna is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If baking from the fridge, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Freezer-friendly: Lasagna also freezes well! To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.
3. Vegetarian lasagna: For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a variety of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use a meatless tomato sauce.
4. Cheese variations: While mozzarella and ricotta are classic lasagna cheeses, feel free to experiment with other types like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
5. Gluten-free option: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles or even zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb and gluten-free version.
6. Layering tips: For a sturdier lasagna with more distinct layers, use fewer noodles per layer and a thicker layer of sauce and cheese in between.

Conclusion:

Lasagna is one of those classic dishes that everyone loves, and with this traditional recipe, you can bring a slice of Italy right to your dinner table. The rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey layers of cheese make for a comforting, flavorful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What makes lasagna truly special is its versatility; you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, whether that means making a vegetarian version, trying different cheeses, or even making it gluten-free. No matter how you slice it, lasagna is always a winner at family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

The beauty of this dish is that it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, look no further than this classic lasagna recipe. Enjoy!