Tag: lasagna

Delight in Comfort: The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe

Making lasagna at home is a bit time-consuming but well worth the effort. Here’s a classic recipe for you to follow, ensuring every layer of your lasagna comes out perfectly indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225 grams) Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and red wine (if using).
4. Season: Add dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layering:
   • Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer 2: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Layer 3: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Layer 4: Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
   • Layer 5: Spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce over the cheese.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce) two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
   • Top Layer: Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can lightly oil the underside of the foil or use non-stick foil). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Serve:

1. Rest: Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking or extend the baking time by about 15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. You can freeze the whole assembled lasagna or individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!