Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food – layers of rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this homemade lasagna recipe is sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious, hearty lasagna that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce of Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Layers of Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Tomato Products: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Season the Sauce: Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, black pepper, and parsley. Simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Mix well.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one-half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with Foil: Cover with foil, but to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Bake Covered: Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese can make a big difference in flavour.
- Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce, or use a combination of different cheeses for more flavour.
Conclusion
There you have it – a classic, mouth-watering lasagna recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite. With its rich layers of meat, cheese, and pasta, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Enjoy your homemade lasagna with a fresh salad and some garlic bread for a meal that’s truly satisfying. Happy cooking!
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