Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that many people love. It is filled with layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and marinara sauce. This hearty meal is fun to make and even more fun to eat! Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, lasagna brings everyone together around the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making lasagna at home is worth it for many reasons. First, it is delicious and satisfying. Second, it can feed a large group, making it great for parties or family meals. Lastly, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked and want to make it time and again!
How to Make Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of ground beef, and a third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, ground beef, mozzarella).
- Top with remaining noodles, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Lasagna
Serve lasagna warm and cut into squares. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread. Don’t forget to add extra cheese or herbs on top for more flavor!
How to Store Lasagna
If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat again!
Tips to Make Lasagna
- You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
- For extra veggies, add layers of spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help keep its shape.
Variation
If you want a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more layers of vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms. You can also use different types of cheese!
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is lasagna gluten-free?
You can make gluten-free lasagna using gluten-free noodles. Just check the label to make sure.
3. How do I reheat lasagna?
You can reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.