Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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A rich and hearty lasagna, made with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Make the Meat Sauce:

  1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until thickened.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
  3. Layer lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used. Top with a final layer of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat sauce and use a marinara sauce instead.
  • To make ahead, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce between the layers of pasta and cheese.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!

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