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The Best Lasagna Recipe

The Best Lasagna Recipe
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This classic lasagna recipe layers tender pasta with a rich, savory meat and tomato sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to make and customizable, it delivers authentic Italian comfort food perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Components

  • 12 lasagna noodles (dried or fresh)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes (high-quality canned)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to develop rich flavors while you prepare other components.
  2. Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended, forming a mixture that holds together for layering.
  3. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the lasagna: Grease a lasagna pan with oil or cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer cooked noodles evenly on top, then add dollops of the ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, and spoonfuls of sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  5. Bake to perfection: Cover the pan with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving for clean, set layers.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and oregano for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • Do not over-sauce to avoid soggy layers; keep sauce layers balanced.
  • Rest the lasagna for 15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and better texture.
  • Spread each sauce and cheese layer evenly to ensure balanced flavor throughout.
  • Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even heat distribution and baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, Italian, baked pasta, classic lasagna, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/the-best-lasagna-recipe/