You Won’t Believe How Easy This Lasagna Is!
Picture this: layers of perfectly cooked noodles embracing a rich, bubbling meat sauce, all slathered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella that stretches with every slice. Homemade lasagna doesn’t just fill your belly — it’s a warm hug on a plate! This recipe combines simple ingredients with a few easy steps to create a dish so comforting, it’ll make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up this scrumptious lasagna? Well, let me count the ways:
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble it down like it’s the last supper. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, meaty masterpiece?
- Easy Cleanup: With just a few affordable ingredients and one baking dish, you can skip the mountain of dishes. Bonus!
- Meal Prep Winner: This dish keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. Make it on Sunday, and you’re golden for the week!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Grab:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking with these easy steps:
Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic till fragrant. Add ground beef and pork, then cook until browned. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and some salt and pepper. It should be creamy and ready to spread.
Cook the Noodles: No-boil noodles? You bet! Just grab those uncooked noodles; they’ll soften beautifully in the oven.
Assemble the Lasagna: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, a layer of ricotta, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
How to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna (Overview)
Alright, let’s break it down. You will:
- Cook your meat until it’s all browned and deliciously fragrant.
- Whip up that creamy ricotta mixture — trust me, don’t skip it; it brings the magic!
- Layer everything like a pro, starting with sauce and finishing with ooey-gooey cheese.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic at the beginning. It adds a depth of flavor that’s a game-changer!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Lasagna
Time to dig in! Serve your lasagna hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. The golden melted mozzarella will pull apart like a dream, and the savory aroma will fill the room. Pair it with a crunchy garlic bread and a vibrant green salad for a full meal that looks as good as it tastes. 🍽️
How to Store The Best Homemade Lasagna
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Your lasagna keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer — it can last up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna
Want to be a lasagna wizard? Here are some insider tricks:
- Time Savers: Make the sauce ahead of time; it can sit in the fridge or freezer perfectly.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Layering Pro Tip: Alternate sauce and cheese layers for an added cheesy surprise in every bite.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? How about a veggie version! Swap the meat for spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delightful twist. Or, if you’re into spice, add chorizo or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the meat sauce to give it a kick!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes! They work just as well and save you extra cooking time.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I do with leftovers?
Slice them into individual portions, store in airtight containers, and enjoy them throughout the week!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic till fragrant.
- Add ground beef and pork, then cook until browned.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and some salt and pepper until creamy.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of ricotta, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.