Savoring Tradition: A Homemade Lasagna Recipe That Brings Family Together
Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a homemade lasagna.
Layered with rich sauce, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta, it's a timeless favorite that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to share a delicious meal with loved ones, homemade lasagna is sure to delight.
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Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients:
- - 1 pound (450g) lasagna noodles
- - 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- - 1 onion, finely chopped
- - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - 1 teaspoon dried basil
- - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- - 1 egg
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon a generous layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers—noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella—ending with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade lasagna!
Tips:
- You can customize your lasagna by adding layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Make ahead: Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight or frozen for later. Simply adjust baking time as needed.
Homemade lasagna is not just a meal; it's a labor of love that brings people together.
Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or simply yourself, savor each layer of flavor and the memories it creates.
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