Lasagna is a classic Italian dish consisting of layers of pasta, meat or vegetables, cheese, and sauce, all baked together to create a flavorful and hearty casserole. It's a beloved comfort food that is perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family meal.
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces or 800 grams) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces or 170 grams) of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups (450 grams) of ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (225 grams) of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat once more for a total of three layers.
- For the final layer, top the lasagna with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is loosely tented to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, before serving.
