Introduction:
If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than this homemade lasagna recipe. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese, this classic Italian dish is sure to become a family favorite. In this blog post, we'll show you how to make lasagna from scratch, including all the ingredients and steps you need to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. So grab your apron and let's get started!
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 lasagna noodles
Equipment/Tools Needed:
Large skillet
9x13 inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling noodles
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon
Aluminum foil
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Servings: 12
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 462
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 29g
Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate only and may vary based on the exact ingredients used and serving size. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for dietary decisions.
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of sauce. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over noodles. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of lasagna.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips:
Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time and skip the boiling step.
To make the lasagna vegetarian, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and/or spinach instead.
This lasagna recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake.
Variations:
Try adding a layer of cooked sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the lasagna.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage.
Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding provolone or fontina cheese.
Conclusion:
This lasagna recipe is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, this lasagna is sure to please any crowd. The key to making a delicious lasagna is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to layer them properly. This recipe is a great starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment with different meats, cheeses, or sauces to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and found the tips and variations helpful. Please share your experience making this lasagna in the comments section below. Did you add any special ingredients or techniques to make it your own? We'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to check out our other recipes in the main courses and pasta categories. And be sure to follow us on social media for more foodie inspiration. Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!
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