Name: Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage); 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt (for ricotta); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Nothing brings people together like a bubbling-hot, cheesy-saucy Lasagna Recipe fresh from the oven. Imagine layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and mountains of gooey mozzarella merging in every bite. This comforting Italian-American classic is always a crowd-pleaser, whether for family gatherings, cozy Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re simply craving the heartiest comfort food around. Let’s dive into making this unforgettable dish, centered on love, patience, and seriously good flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lasagna Recipe is built on simple building blocks, each adding its unique touch—flavor, texture, richness, or color. Let’s break down why every ingredient on the list is essential for bringing your lasagna to life.

Lasagna noodles (12): The foundation that holds all the glorious fillings; cook until al dente for best texture.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, savory richness—try half beef and half Italian sausage for deeper flavor.
Small onion, chopped: Infuses subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Gives pungent warmth and classic Italian aroma.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The soul of your sauce—thick, tangy, perfectly rustic.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates the sauce, giving intense flavor and lovely color.
Dried basil (2 tsp): Essential for its aromatic, herby brightness.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Boosts the sauce with earthy aromatics—so classic!
Salt (1 tsp for sauce, 1/2 tsp for ricotta): Brings all the savory elements into balance.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Kick up the heat a notch if you like things spicy.
Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy, rich layer that makes every forkful luscious.
Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays nicely in place between layers.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melts to golden, gooey perfection; the star of that cheesy top crust.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers nutty, salty magic—never skip the Parm!
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Sauté your veggies and build deep olive undertones right from the start.

How to Make Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente—usually a shade under the suggested time on the box. Give them a gentle rinse and lay each noodle flat on a baking sheet or towel to keep them from sticking together while you work the other layers. This one step makes assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until soft and translucent, then toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds (no burnt garlic drama here). Next comes the ground beef—crumble and brown it nicely, draining away any extra fat. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer this saucy symphony for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until it’s thick, fragrant, and impossible to resist.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

While your sauce is bubbling away, grab a bowl for the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and smooth. The egg helps hold the mixture together when baked, so every bite stands up beautifully between the layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Recipe

Spoon about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—just enough to coat the base. Lay four noodles on top, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture over them. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese, and follow with a few tablespoons of Parmesan. Repeat these dreamy layers twice more: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan. For the grand finale, pour over any remaining sauce and smother the top with the rest of your mozzarella and Parmesan. Stunning already, isn’t it?

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Then, ditch the foil and continue baking another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and edges are bubbling with irresistible promise. Once you’ve pulled your lasagna out, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this is the secret to neat slices and easy serving!

How to Serve Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

No slice is complete without a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. If you really want to impress, a light grating of extra Parmesan just before serving brightens every bite and fills the air with a nutty aroma. Feel free to drizzle a touch of good olive oil for that extra sheen and pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Round out your Lasagna Recipe with a crisp Caesar or tossed green salad—the freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic knots to mop up the saucy bits left on your plate. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are always winners, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For family get-togethers, serve lasagna straight from the dish in hearty slabs. Hosting a party? Try cutting cooled, set squares and serving them in cupcake wrappers for easy, mess-free handling. For a real showstopper, garnish each portion with a swirl of pesto, a tangle of microgreens, or serve atop a pool of extra tomato sauce for restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna slices keep beautifully! Cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Your Lasagna Recipe will taste even better the next day, as flavors meld. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Lasagna is one of those magical dishes that freezes brilliantly. To freeze, either bake and cool the whole dish, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic, or assemble but don’t bake—again, cover well. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months, and always label with the date for easy planning!

Reheating

To reheat, cover slices loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. If reheating from frozen, bake covered for about an hour; remove the cover for the last 10 to 15 minutes to brown the top. Add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this Lasagna Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble your lasagna up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time if it went into the oven straight from the fridge.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well if you want a lighter alternative. Drain it well first, and you’ll still get all the creamy, tangy goodness, just with a softer texture and fewer calories.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

This Lasagna Recipe is super flexible—swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. You can also make an all-veggie lasagna with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a meatless twist.

How do I keep my lasagna from being watery?

Make sure your sauce simmers until thick, and be careful not to overcook the noodles. Letting your baked lasagna rest before slicing helps the layers set up and keeps extra liquid at bay.

Can I make this Lasagna Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles, and follow the rest of the recipe as written. Keep an eye on cook times since gluten-free noodles can behave a little differently.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a homemade Lasagna Recipe: the laughter, the anticipation as it bakes, the smiles with each cheesy bite. Whether you’re feeding friends, celebrating family, or just treating yourself, this lasagna brings comfort and joy to every occasion. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes your new favorite tradition.

Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus resting)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this classic Lasagna recipe, featuring layers of perfectly cooked noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles:

12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt (for ricotta)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the noodles: in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: by cooking onion, garlic, and meat until browned. Add tomatoes, paste, and seasonings. Simmer.
Mix the ricotta: with egg and salt.
Assemble the lasagna: layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
Bake: covered with foil, then uncovered, until bubbly and golden.
Rest: before serving.