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Best Lasagna Recipe

Ultimate Best Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

This Best Lasagna Recipe is a comforting staple perfect for family dinners, featuring layers of beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with Italian sausage for added flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Base of the sauce.
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Contributes to the sauce's body and moisture.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies the tomato flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adds heat.
  • 1 cup Water/Broth Adjusts sauce consistency.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Can use cottage cheese as a lighter option.
  • 1 large Egg Beaten.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
For the Noodles and Topping
  • 12 noodles Lasagna Noodles Consider using no-boil noodles for convenience.
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese Freshly shredded works best.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add 1 pound of ground beef, browning it until fully cooked, then mix in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with 1 teaspoon each of sugar, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, until thickened.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy filling.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  4. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared beef sauce on the bottom. Place a single layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with more beef sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella, finishing with a generous layer of just beef sauce topped with remaining mozzarella.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing it to steam and cook evenly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the beef sauce to simmer long enough to deepen its flavors. For neat slices, let the lasagna cool before cutting. Feel free to customize the layers with sautéed veggies or different meats.

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