Lasagna – Indulge in the mouthwatering layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles with our irresistible homemade lasagna recipe. This classic Italian dish is a true labor of love, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking to treat yourself, this lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.
In our household, lasagna has become more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of togetherness and cherished moments. Every time I prepare this recipe for my husband and little family, the aroma fills the air, drawing them into the kitchen with eager anticipation. As they gather around the table, their eyes light up, knowing that a scrumptious treat awaits them. It’s amazing how this lasagna has managed to weave its way into our hearts, becoming a beloved staple that brings joy and warmth to our home.
Why This Lasagna Recipe Is a Must-Try?
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Our lasagna boasts a harmonious blend of tender ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and a touch of red wine for a delightful depth of flavor. The addition of dried thyme and parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note that elevates each bite.
- Creamy Cheese Sauce: Our luscious cheese sauce, made with a combination of low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, adds a creamy and cheesy layer that complements the meat sauce beautifully. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this lasagna to the next level of deliciousness.
- Al Dente Pasta Perfection: The lasagna noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, ensuring a satisfying texture and preventing them from becoming overly mushy during baking. Each bite offers a delightful balance between tender layers of pasta and the savory fillings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (450g) ground beef (15-20% fat content)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry red wine or beef broth
- 1 Tbsp. (15ml) olive oil
- 24 oz. (680g) Marinara Sauce (3 cups)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. (30ml) parsley, finely chopped
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Cheese Sauce:
- 16 oz. (450g) low-fat cottage cheese
- 15 oz. (425g) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp. (30ml) parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 4 cups (450g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
Directions:
Making the Meat Sauce:
Heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion, sautéing until the beef is no longer pink and onions are tender.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the red wine and cook for 2 minutes until it is nearly evaporated.
Add the marinara sauce, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, granulated sugar, and chopped parsley. Stir well.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Assembling the Lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to the package instructions.
Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch (23x33cm) casserole dish.
Add 3 noodles on top of the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the meat sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Spoon on and spread half of the cheese sauce over the meat sauce.
Repeat the layering process for the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese sauce, finishing with a layer of 3 noodles, the remaining 1/3 of the meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Poke 9-12 toothpicks over the surface of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the meat sauce by adding your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- This lasagna can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly.
Indulging in a slice of homemade lasagna is like taking a culinary journey to Italy, right in the comfort of your own home. The layers of flavors, the warmth it brings, and the memories it creates make this classic dish truly special. With its savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked noodles, our irresistible lasagna recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
So, gather your loved ones around the table, share stories, and savor every bite of this delectable creation. Whether it’s a special occasion, a cozy family dinner, or simply a day when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, our homemade lasagna is a delightful choice that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Remember, the real magic happens when food brings people together, and this lasagna has a way of doing just that. So, go ahead, embark on this culinary adventure, and create lasting memories with every mouthful. From our kitchen to yours, enjoy the comforting embrace of homemade lasagna, and may it become a cherished part of your own family traditions.
FAQs
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna! After assembling the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of meats for a different flavor profile.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. However, if you have the time, making your own marinara sauce from scratch will add an extra layer of flavor to the lasagna.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a bit longer if the lasagna is cold from the refrigerator.
Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 450g ground beef (15-20% fat content)
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup 60ml dry red wine or beef broth
- 1 Tbsp. 15ml olive oil
- 24 oz. 680g Marinara Sauce (3 cups)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. 30ml parsley, finely chopped
- 9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente
Cheese Sauce:
- 16 oz. 450g low-fat cottage cheese
- 15 oz. 425g reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp. 30ml parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 4 cups 450g mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
Making the Meat Sauce:
- Heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion, sautéing until the beef is no longer pink and onions are tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and cook for 2 minutes until it is nearly evaporated.
- Add the marinara sauce, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, granulated sugar, and chopped parsley. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a deep 9x13-inch (23x33cm) casserole dish.
- Add 3 noodles on top of the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the meat sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon on and spread half of the cheese sauce over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process for the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese sauce, finishing with a layer of 3 noodles, the remaining 1/3 of the meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Poke 9-12 toothpicks over the surface of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
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