Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

This Lasagna recipe is a true Italian-American comfort food classic! Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling are baked to bubbly perfection, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family gathering, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors: This lasagna captures the essence of traditional Italian-American lasagna with its rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling.
• Satisfying and comforting: It’s a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
• Easy to assemble: While it takes a bit of time, the steps are straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Crowd-pleaser: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Lasagna

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic lasagna that will impress your family and friends. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lasagna:

• Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a 15-20% fat content for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the meat sauce.
• Dry Red Wine (or Beef Broth): Adds depth and complexity to the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make your own!
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the meat sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the meat sauce.
• Lasagna Noodles: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the cheese filling.
• Reduced-Fat Ricotta Cheese: Contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy layer between the pasta and on top.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and sauté until the beef is browned. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and cook until nearly evaporated. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the noodles and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread with 1/3 of the meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Spread half of the cheese sauce over the mozzarella. Repeat the layers twice, ending with a layer of noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Poke 9-12 toothpicks into the top of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Broil and Serve

Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Prevent sticking: Stir the pasta frequently while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot. Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water also helps prevent sticking.
• Even layers: Make sure to spread the meat sauce and cheese filling evenly for a beautifully layered lasagna.
• Resting time: Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold its shape and prevents it from being too runny.

How to Serve Lasagna

• Family dinner: This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying family dinner.
• Special occasion: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire lasagna in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just follow the package directions for layering and baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My lasagna is watery, what did I do wrong?
If your lasagna is watery, it could be that your ricotta cheese was too watery or that you didn’t cook the meat sauce long enough to reduce the liquid. You can try draining the ricotta cheese before using it or simmering the meat sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Lasagna. I hope you enjoy it!

Print