Traditional Lasagna Recipe: Easy & Delicious
Lasagna, a classic Italian comfort food, is often perceived as a complex dish. However, this easy traditional lasagna recipe proves otherwise! This guide will walk you through a simple, yet flavourful lasagna recipe perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quicker weeknight meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it took hours, but only requires a fraction of the time!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous dinner.
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For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for ease)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's create this culinary masterpiece together!
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 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.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with about ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with about ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
4. Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:
- Oven-ready noodles: These save you the pre-boiling step and make the process much quicker.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Follow the package directions for oven-ready noodles to avoid mushy lasagna.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to develop even further.
This easy traditional lasagna recipe is a surefire way to create a delicious and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
