Lasagna Recipe

Our favorite lasagna recipe – a classic American comfort food

Lasagna is one of the most beloved dishes in the United States, known for its delicious flavors, comforting texture, and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy night in at home, this classic Italian-American dish has become a staple in kitchens across the country. Today, we’re sharing our favorite lasagna recipe, perfected over the years for maximum flavor and comfort.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make the perfect lasagna, ensuring your dish comes out delicious every time. Let’s dive in!

Why Lasagna Is America’s Favorite Comfort Food

Lasagna combines all the things we love – pasta, cheese, a rich meat sauce, and lots of goodness. With customizable layers, it allows for a variety of ingredients that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you love the classic meaty lasagna or prefer a vegetarian version, this dish brings warmth to every table.

How to make our favorite lasagna – a step-by-step recipe

Ingredients

To make the perfect lasagna, you’ll need:

• Lasagna Noodles (12 Pieces)
• Ground Beef (1 pound) – You can also use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork.
• Italian sausage (½ pound)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, chopped)
• crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28 ounces each)
• Tomato paste (1 can, 6 ounces)
• Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces)
• Sugar (2 Tablespoons) – It reduces the acidity of the tomatoes.
• fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Ricotta cheese (1 container, 15 ounces)
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, shredded)
• Egg (1 large)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Brown the meat: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage and onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Remove excess fat.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomato products: crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and add to the tomato sauce. Mix everything together.
4. Season the sauce: Add the sugar, fresh basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the flavors meld together while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain the noodles and place them on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking when you assemble the lasagna.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and one beaten egg. Blend until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a rich, creamy layer between the meat sauce and the noodles.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread the meat sauce: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
2. First Layer: Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
3. Add the ricotta mixture: Spread about ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Add the meat sauce: Pour a layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta.
5. Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Repeat layers: Repeat this process (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella) for two more layers.
7. Top layer: For the final layer, place the last few noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce, and top generously with the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden brown top.
4. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help set the layers, making it easier to piece.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Ever

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a delicious flavor and aroma.
• Make it ahead: Lasagna can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.
• Frozen Leftovers: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Just pull it apart, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Customize the fillings: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Lasagna Variations to Try

Although this classic recipe is a favorite, you can always experiment with different versions:

1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat with a variety of roasted vegetables or spinach and ricotta.
2. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce and use shredded chicken for a light white lasagna.
3. Seafood Lasagna: Use a combination of shrimp, scallops and shrimp with a creamy white sauce for a rich seafood twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason lasagna holds a special place in so many hearts and kitchens. This classic comfort food brings families together, warms up any occasion, and satisfies cravings with rich layers of flavor. Try this recipe for yourself and see why it’s our favorite!

Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below or tag us on social media with your #TastyBitesLasagna creations.

Happy cooking!

The Best Classic Lasagna Recipe – A step-by-step guide to America’s favorite comfort food