Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any family meal. This Easy Lasagna Recipe simplifies the classic dish, combining layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Mixture:
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Assembling:
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Let the sauce simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until well blended and set aside.
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. Repeat the layers twice, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil, spraying the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips:
Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
Use a Sharp Knife: For clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife or a special lasagna spatula. This will help you achieve neat, even portions.
Garnish for Presentation: Fresh basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Pair with Sides: Serve your lasagna with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For best results, freeze in individual portions. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen lasagna, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven method will help maintain the texture.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking as it can make the noodles mushy. Check frequently to ensure it’s heated evenly and just right.
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FAQs:
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the lasagna as directed, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. This ensures even baking.
How do I prevent my lasagna noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagna noodles from sticking, drain them and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a large baking sheet after cooking. You can also drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the noodles and gently toss them to coat, which will help prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the lasagna after baking it?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well both before and after baking. If freezing after baking, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this lasagna recipe. Cottage cheese has a slightly different texture and flavor but will still provide a creamy layer in the lasagna. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the cottage cheese before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion:
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting and flavorful meal. With its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this lasagna is the perfect choice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a classic and comforting dish with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for a hearty family dinner. Ideal for making ahead or freezing, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with 4 lasagna noodles. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers twice more, ending with remaining meat sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and bake it the next day. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on busy days.
Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. Prepare and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
