A classic Italian dish with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the White Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spread 1/3 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles over the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with 1/3 cup of meat sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the white sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover 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:
- Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesy Lasagna!