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The Best Lasagna Recipe

The Best Lasagna Recipe
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The Best Lasagna Recipe is a warm, comforting classic Italian dish featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this versatile recipe is easy to customize and delivers a deliciously balanced mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Lasagna Components

  • Lasagna pasta sheets (no-boil or classic) – about 12 sheets
  • Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 lb (450 g)
  • Tomato sauce – 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded – 2 cups (200 g)
  • Ricotta cheese – 1 1/2 cups (375 g)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated – 3/4 cup (75 g)

Aromatics & Herbs

  • Garlic, finely chopped – 3 cloves
  • Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
  • Fresh basil, chopped – 2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp

Other Ingredients

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped basil and parsley. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
  2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy to create a luscious cheese layer.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spoon and spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture followed by slices or shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering—sauce, pasta, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan on top to form a golden crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top cheese layer to bubble and brown beautifully.
  5. Let It Rest: After removing from the oven, let the lasagna sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making the lasagna easier to slice and serve cleanly.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid using too much sauce to prevent a watery lasagna; balance layers carefully.
  • Rest the lasagna after baking to ensure it firms up for neat slicing.
  • Season each layer individually for enhanced flavor throughout.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut slices cleanly and minimize tearing of pasta layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, Italian recipe, baked pasta, comfort food, layered casserole, cheese lasagna, meat sauce

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