If you’re looking for the best lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is not just any lasagna, but a cheesy, meaty, and delicious dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of lasagna.
Introduction
Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, is beloved around the world for its rich layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses. This version brings together all the best components of lasagna—flavorful meat, a tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s a perfect comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Whether you’re an Italian food lover or simply craving something warm and comforting, this easy lasagna recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients for the Best Lasagna
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to create the best lasagna ever. For substitutions or dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe as needed.
Meat Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
Cheese Layer:
- ½ pound mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lasagna Assembly:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- ¼ pound mozzarella cheese (for topping)
How to Make the Best Lasagna: Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until the meat is fully browned.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.
Step2: Make the Cheese Filling
- While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the cheese layer by combining mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta in a bowl.
- Add dried basil, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, but only for about 7 minutes (2/3 of the cooking time). The noodles should be slightly undercooked since they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a tray or large bowl of cold water to prevent sticking.
Step4: Layering the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Place 5-6 noodles over the sauce to form the first layer.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: another layer of noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and another one-third of the meat sauce.
- For the final layer, place the last set of noodles on top and finish with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step5: Bake
- Cover the lasagna with foil (lightly greased to prevent sticking).
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.
Helpful Tips for the Best Lasagna
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality cheese will enhance the overall flavor of your lasagna.
- Undercook your noodles: Cooking your noodles only 2/3 of the time ensures they won’t become mushy in the final dish.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 20 minutes before serving helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Cooking Techniques for the Best Lasagna
- Simmer the sauce: The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 1 hour for a rich, hearty sauce.
- Layering is key: Be generous with your cheese and meat sauce layers to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the lasagna in the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning the cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions for Lasagna
Lasagna pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Storage and Leftovers for Lasagna
- To store: Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: You can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or the whole lasagna in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I bake lasagna?
Bake lasagna for about 45 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well both before and after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil before freezing.
What cheeses work best for lasagna?
A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates a creamy and flavorful cheese layer.
Related Recipes for Lasagna Lovers
Conclusion
There you have it—the best lasagna recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd! The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles makes it a meal everyone will love. Be sure to let us know how it turns out, and feel free to share any tweaks or variations you made!
Enjoy cooking! 🍝
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Best Lasagna Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious Comfort Food
Description
If you’re looking for the best lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is not just any lasagna, but a cheesy, meaty, and delicious dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of lasagna.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
For the Cheese Layer:
- ½ pound mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna Assembly:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- ¼ pound mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until the meat is fully browned.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the cheese layer by combining mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta in a bowl.
- Add dried basil, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, but only for about 7 minutes (2/3 of the cooking time). The noodles should be slightly undercooked since they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a tray or large bowl of cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Layering the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Place 5-6 noodles over the sauce to form the first layer.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: another layer of noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and another one-third of the meat sauce.
- For the final layer, place the last set of noodles on top and finish with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the lasagna with foil (lightly greased to prevent sticking).
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality cheese will enhance the overall flavor of your lasagna.
- Undercook your noodles: Cooking your noodles only 2/3 of the time ensures they won’t become mushy in the final dish.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 20 minutes before serving helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
