Easy-to-Make Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious and Simple Dish
Lasagna, a classic Italian comfort food, is often perceived as a complex and time-consuming dish. But fear not! This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, making it achievable for even the most novice cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make lasagna recipe that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a delicious lasagna without a trip to a specialty store.
- Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-precook type is recommended for ease)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This detailed guide ensures a smooth and successful lasagna-making experience.
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta cheese, meat sauce, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles: This eliminates the need for pre-boiling, saving you time and effort.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking in the oven.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Get creative with your ingredients: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses!
This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy! Remember to share your delicious creations using #easylasagnarecipe on social media!
