Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes in the world. It is a classic, hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or just to make ahead and have ready for the week. There is nothing quite like the smell of a lasagna baking in the oven, and the sight of those layers of cheese, pasta, and meat sauce makes mouths water.
If you’ve ever wanted to make lasagna from scratch, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect lasagna. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, you’ll find the tips and tricks you need to make a delicious lasagna. So let’s get started!
Contents
Ingredients
The key to a great lasagna is having the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious lasagna:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 small |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Tomato sauce | 1 28-ounce can |
| Tomato paste | 1 6-ounce can |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Lasagna noodles | 1 16-ounce package |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 15-ounce container |
| Egg | 1 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to make the lasagna. Follow these steps to make the perfect lasagna:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. When the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and black pepper and bring to a simmer. Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, cheese) two more times. Top the lasagna with the remaining meat sauce and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Bake the lasagna for 30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Making a lasagna may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy. Here are a few tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfect:
- Be sure to use pre-cooked lasagna noodles. These will hold their shape better during baking.
- For a crunchy top, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna before baking.
- For a vegetarian lasagna, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
- For a heartier lasagna, add some cooked, crumbled sausage to the meat sauce.
- To make the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Making a lasagna is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and a little know-how, you can make a delicious lasagna that will be the envy of your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron and get cooking! As the great Italian-American singer Tony Bennett once said, “I left my heart in San Francisco, but I left my lasagna in Naples.”
