Introduction
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This perfect homemade lasagna recipe combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it a culinary delight that’ll warm your heart. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, creating memorable dining experiences that echo through generations.
Recipe Summary
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
– 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
For the cheese mixture:
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For assembly:
– 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and seasonings. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, and parsley. Mix well.
Step 5: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6: Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
For the best flavor, allow the meat sauce to simmer a little longer, letting the herbs infuse fully. You can also add vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, for extra nutrition. Enjoy sharing this delicious lasagna with family and friends!