Lasagna
A comforting and delicious lasagna recipe featuring layers of rich flavors, creamy cheese, and savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles Standard lasagna noodles or no-boil noodles can be used.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese Mix with an egg and Italian seasoning before layering.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Provides a gooey, melty texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more on the side for serving if desired.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Choose your favorite marinara for flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey or plant-based meat.
- 1 large egg Used to bind the cheese mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Sprinkle into meat or cheese mixture for flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Season to preference.
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add to onions while sautéing.
Optional Garnish
- a few leaves fresh basil Chop and sprinkle before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown your ground beef or sausage over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently until fully cooked and drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and toss them lightly with oil.
Assembly and Baking
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, meat, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with marinara and mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Customize with different cheese options or seasonings to tailor the dish to your taste. Allow to cool before slicing for cleaner servings.