Here’s a delicious Homemade Lasagna recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner. This lasagna combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (you can also use ground pork or sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Assembling:
- 12 lasagna noodles (boiled according to package instructions or use no-boil)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook the meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or pork/sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat and simmer the sauce uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chopped parsley towards the end of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if not using no-boil)
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles (3-4 noodles, overlapping slightly).
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with 1/4 of the meat sauce and sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray the foil with cooking spray or ensure it doesn’t touch the cheese).
- Bake for 25 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil (optional) and serve with garlic bread or a simple salad.