Delicious Lasagna

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• Extra mozzarella cheese for topping

How to Make Delicious Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like your sauce a little sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Once it’s done, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until everything is well combined. This cheesy mixture will add a creamy texture to each layer of your lasagna.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the noodles from sticking.

Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Then, add another layer of meat sauce, ensuring the noodles are well-covered. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce) until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a final layer of meat sauce.

Top the lasagna with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Once it’s done, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the lasagna into generous portions, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Use No-Boil Noodles: To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just make sure to add enough sauce to hydrate them as they bake.
• Customize the Filling: If you want a meatless lasagna, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be made a day or two in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
• Freeze for Later: Lasagna freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

This delicious lasagna recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this lasagna will hit the spot every time.

So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare yourself for a lasagna experience that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!