Classic Lasagna Pasta Recipe: Layers of Meat Sauce, Cheese, and Noodles

Lasagna PastaPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Lasagna is a timeless Italian dish that has won hearts worldwide with its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Lasagna Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
• • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• For the Cheese Mixture:
• • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Pasta:
• • 12 lasagna noodles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
2. • In a large pot, cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
4. • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
6. • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, salt, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
7. Assemble the Lasagna:
8. • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one-half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   • Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese).
9. Bake:
10. • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This classic lasagna recipe is a labor of love that results in a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella makes every bite a delight. Serve it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I freeze lasagna? A: Absolutely! You can freeze lasagna either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after baking, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? A: Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used. They save time and work well in this recipe. Just make sure to add a bit more sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly.

Q: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? A: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as a substitute.

Q: How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery? A: To prevent watery lasagna, make sure to drain the meat well after browning, use thick tomato sauce, and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow it to set.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna? A: Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them before adding to the layers to ensure they are cooked through.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious lasagna pasta! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!