How to Make Lasagna

 

Lasagna

Here's a step-by-step guide to making classic lasagna! Let me know if you want a vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other variation, and I can adjust the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 81 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (or oven-ready lasagna sheets)
• 4 cups (16 oz/450 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra grated Parmesan for toppingarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef/sausage and cook until browned.    

    Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce 

    heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to 

    prevent sticking.

Skip this step if using oven-ready lasagna noodles.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Layer 3-4 noodles on top of the sauce.

4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.

5. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, then add another layer of meat sauce.

6. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce) two more times.

7. Finish with a layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and a generous layer of mozzarella and 

    Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, lightly grease the foil or ensure it doesn’t 

    touch the cheese).

2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.

2. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Would you like tips on variations (like vegetarian or gluten-free), wine pairings, or storage advice?

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