Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, a classic dish that brings warmth to any table. This easy homemade lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers.
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and boil lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water, then set them aside.
- In a large skillet, cook together ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, a beaten egg, and salt. Stir in part of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Spread a cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, then cover with a portion of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of noodles topped with remaining meat sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the lasagna maintain its shape.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
- ¾ teaspoon salt, more to taste
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 36 ounces pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
FAQ
- Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
- Yes, lasagna can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it before or after baking for future use.
- What is the best way to freeze lasagna?
- Lasagna can be frozen by tightly wrapping it and storing it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding extra cooking time if necessary.
- Can I substitute ricotta cheese in this lasagna recipe?
- Yes, you can replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese. If you prefer all beef over sausage, add some Italian seasoning to the meat mixture for flavor.
- How should I reheat leftover lasagna?
- Reheat frozen lasagna at 350°F in the oven, covered, for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.
- What are some tips for the best lasagna?
- Use a high-quality pasta sauce, cover with foil to prevent drying, and add cheese in the last 15 minutes of baking. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to help it set and maintain its shape when sliced.
Tips
- Opt for Quality Sauce: Use a high-quality pasta sauce to enhance the flavor of your lasagna. If using store-bought options, consider brands known for their rich taste, like Rao’s.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows it to firm up and helps maintain its shape when you cut into it.
- Prevent Drying: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil during most of the baking time. This helps retain moisture and prevents the top from drying out.
- Cheese Timing: Add the final layer of cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking. This ensures it melts perfectly and turns golden brown and bubbly.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the lasagna.
- Large Pot: Needed for boiling lasagna noodles.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Required for preparing the meat sauce.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the cheese mixture.
