Learn how to create the ultimate comfort food with our step-by-step guide on making lasagna. This classic Italian dish is a symphony of layers, featuring rich and savory flavors, tender pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our comprehensive instructions will ensure you craft a mouthwatering lasagna that will delight family and friends alike. Get ready to indulge in a homemade masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to make lasanga
Lasagna is a popular Italian pasta dish that typically consists of layers of flat pasta sheets, a variety of savory fillings, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. The traditional components often include ground meat (such as beef, pork, or sausage), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. The layering of these ingredients is repeated to create a multi-layered casserole, and it's a favorite comfort food enjoyed in many parts of the world with regional variations. Lasagna can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled according to package instructions)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat until browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if desired.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To assemble the lasagna, start with a layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layering process: sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Top with the remaining noodles, sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
When making lasagna, one important thing to note is to ensure that your lasagna noodles are either pre-cooked according to the package instructions or specifically labeled as "oven-ready." Suppose you use regular uncooked lasagna noodles without pre-cooking or using oven-ready ones. In that case, they may not cook properly during baking, resulting in a crunchy or undercooked texture in your finished dish. Properly cooked noodles are essential for your lasagna's overall texture and taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 50g
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