The Best Homemade Lasagna

introduction

This lasagna is rich, warm, and easy to make at home. It uses simple ingredients and cooks into a soft, cheesy meal your family will like. If you want another hearty comfort dish, try the best goulash recipe for a change.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a filling meal that feeds a group. It freezes well, and you can make it ahead. The sauce is simple and full of flavor. The cheese layer stays creamy and mild for kids and adults.

how to make The Best Homemade Lasagna

Follow the steps below and work in a calm order: cook the sauce, boil noodles, mix the cheese, and layer. For a different style, you can try chicken alfredo lasagna roll-ups as another idea.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 1/2 tsp Basil, dried leaves
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 Onion, large
• 28 oz Tomatoes
• 1 Egg, large
• 6 oz Tomato paste
• 15 oz Tomato sauce
• 12 Lasagna noodles
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground
• 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 16 oz Ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Water

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
5. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of sauce at the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella, and then a layer of sauce.
7. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

how to serve The Best Homemade Lasagna

Cut the lasagna into squares after it cools for 10-15 minutes. Serve with a simple green salad and warm bread. A small side of pickles or olives works well with the rich sauce.

how to store The Best Homemade Lasagna

Cool the lasagna to room temperature. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make The Best Homemade Lasagna

• Brown the meat well for better flavor.
• Simmer the sauce at low heat to let flavors blend.
• Do not overcook the noodles; al dente works best.
• Let the lasagna rest after baking to keep slices neat.
• Use room-temperature ricotta for easy spreading.

variation (if any)

• Use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version.
• Add cooked spinach or sliced mushrooms for more vegetables.
• Swap part of the mozzarella for provolone for a different cheese taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if very cold.

Q: Do I need to boil the noodles first?
A: This recipe calls for cooking the noodles until al dente. You can use no-boil noodles, but check package instructions and sauce thickness.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warm. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze the lasagna before baking?
A: Yes. Wrap the assembled dish well and freeze. Bake from frozen but add about 20-30 minutes to the baking time and keep it covered until heated through.

Conclusion

This simple lasagna is a good choice for family meals and small gatherings. If you want another top-rated version to compare tips and steps, see The BEST Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Top-Rated Recipe).

Homemade Lasagna

This rich and cheesy homemade lasagna is easy to make and perfect for family meals. It can be prepared ahead of time and freezes well, making it a hearty comfort dish for gatherings.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Sauce Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich flavor.
• 1 lb Italian sausage Use mild or spicy according to preference.
• 1 1/2 tsp Basil, dried leaves Adds a flavor boost to the sauce.
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
• 1 large Onion Chopped.
• 28 oz Tomatoes Canned or fresh, diced.
• 6 oz Tomato paste Concentrated tomato flavor.
• 15 oz Tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds Crushed; enhances the sausage flavor.
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar Balances acidity.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive oil For browning meat.
• 1/2 cup Water To adjust sauce consistency.

Cheese and Pasta Ingredients

• 1 lb Mozzarella cheese Shredded.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 16 oz Ricotta cheese
• 12 pieces Lasagna noodles Cooked according to package instructions.
• 1 large Egg Used to bind the cheese mixture.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
5. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt.

Layering

1. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of sauce at the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella, and then a layer of sauce.
2. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Baking

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This lasagna freezes well and can be made ahead, making it a great option for meals. Let the lasagna rest after baking to keep slices neat. Use room-temperature ricotta for easy spreading. You can also add cooked spinach or sliced mushrooms for more vegetables, or swap part of the mozzarella for provolone for a different flavor.