A heartwarming homemade lasagna featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a medley of gooey cheeses, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Servings 8servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
12pieceslasagna noodlesCook according to package instructions.
1lbground beef or sausage
1mediumonion, chopped
2clovesgarlic, minced
2cupsmarinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
15ozricotta cheese
1largeegg
2tbspfresh parsley, choppedAdd flavor and color.
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
1cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Method
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned; drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Assembly
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella and a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, plus Parmesan.
Baking
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or sautéed vegetables for a lighter or vegetarian option. Optional Variations: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition, or switch up the cheeses for a different taste. Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results or microwave individual servings.