Classic Homemade Lasagna – Delicious Comfort Food
Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish that brings rich layers of flavor with each bite. It’s a classic Italian meal that combines tender pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, and its deep, satisfying taste makes it a favorite at the table. If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before, don’t worry – with a little time and care, you’ll have a homemade lasagna that rivals any restaurant dish.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups béchamel sauce (optional)
Directions
Prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add tomatoes and seasoning. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Prepare the ricotta mixture. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Cook the lasagna sheets. While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna sheets in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Layer the lasagna. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Add a layer of ricotta mixture, then meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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