Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many households. Whether it’s a traditional red sauce version, a white sauce lasagna, or a vegetarian lasagna, the dish is an all-around crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking to make lasagna for your family or as a party dish, the recipe and steps are relatively easy to follow. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can have a delicious lasagna ready to serve in no time. In this article, we’ll look at the recipe for lasagna and provide a step-by-step guide for the perfect results.
Ingredients for Lasagna
To make lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound of ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Guide for Lasagna
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started!
Step 1: Preparing the Noodles
The first step is to prepare the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Adding the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Then add the cooked beef and parsley and stir to combine.
Step 5: Making the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Assembling the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and cheese. Top with the remaining noodles and the remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 7: Baking the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serving the Lasagna
Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Lasagna is a delicious and classic Italian dish that can easily be made at home with the right ingredients and a few simple steps. With this step-by-step guide, your lasagna will come out perfect every time. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up some lasagna! As the song says: “Lasagna, lasagna, it’s so delicious, it’s so delicious, it’s so delicious, it’s so delicious!”
