Lasagna
Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked together under a blanket of bubbly, golden-brown mozzarella. This classic Italian-American comfort food is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 125 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meat Sauce (Ragu)
- b.Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the ground beef and ground pork. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- e.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- f.Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- g.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour (up to 3 hours for a richer flavor), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Noodles and Prepare Cheese Filling
- b.While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt, then cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Do not overcook.
- c.Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on oiled baking sheets or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- d.In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of the parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Lasagna
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Spread about 1.5 cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking.
- d.Arrange a single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- e.Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- f.Sprinkle with about 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- g.Spoon another 1.5-2 cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella.
- h.Repeat the layers once more: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another 1/3 of the mozzarella, and more meat sauce.
- i.Place the final layer of noodles on top. Cover completely with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the final 0.5 cup of parmesan cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the Lasagna
- b.Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- c.Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- d.Bake for 25 minutes.
- e.Carefully remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the layers to set, ensuring clean slices.
- c.Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
What to keep in mind.
8 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- 2Letting the meat sauce simmer for at least an hour is key to developing a deep, rich flavor.
- 3Don't overcook the pasta noodles initially, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- 4Resting the lasagna for 15-20 minutes after baking is crucial. It allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut clean slices.
- 5Using freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese provides superior flavor and melting quality compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- 6A combination of beef and pork adds more complexity and flavor to the sauce than using beef alone.
- 7Use no-boil noodles to save time, but you may need to add a little extra liquid (like 1/4 cup water or milk) to the sauce to ensure they cook properly.
- 8For a richer flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the meat sauce while it simmers and remove it before assembling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Lasagna
Replace the ground meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. You can also add lentils for a heartier texture.
White Lasagna (Lasagna Bianca)White Lasagna (Lasagna Bianca)
Substitute the tomato-based meat sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce. Layer with cooked chicken, spinach, and mushrooms for a delicious alternative.
Spicy LasagnaSpicy Lasagna
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1-1.5 teaspoons and substitute 1/2 lb of hot Italian sausage for the ground pork for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
With a combination of ground beef, pork, and various cheeses, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Calcium
The generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese make this lasagna a good source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Lycopene
The tomato-based sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Cooking tomatoes, as in this sauce, increases the bioavailability of lycopene.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this lasagna contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the meat and cheese. It is a rich and hearty dish.