The Ultimate Cheesy Lasagna

$To make the best homemade lasagna, you need some key ingredients. These are the building blocks for a tasty dish that everyone will love. - 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes - 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a rich and hearty lasagna. You can adjust them based on your taste. For example, swap ground beef for turkey or add your favorite veggies. Always use fresh herbs if you can. They add great flavor! When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a wonderful meal. Each layer brings something special. The noodles provide structure, while the meat and cheese add richness. Fresh spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrients. Don't forget, quality ingredients make a big difference. Choose the best you can find. Enjoy every step of the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat oven and cook noodles Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside. 2. Brown the meat and sauté vegetables In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook until browned and drain any excess fat. Next, add 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. 3. Simmer sauce for flavor enhancement Pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Add 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors. 1. Initial layer and assembly process Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. 2. Continuing the layering process Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this step, alternating layers of noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce. 3. Final touches before baking Finish with a final layer of noodles. Pour the remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 1. Covering and baking times Cover the dish with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 2. Tips for achieving golden cheese Remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese bubble and turn golden. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your masterpiece! - Cooking noodles al dente: Cook the noodles until they are firm. This keeps them from getting mushy when you layer them. Follow the package instructions but check them a minute early. - Avoiding soggy lasagna: To prevent sogginess, let your meat sauce simmer until thick. This helps keep your layers from becoming too wet. Also, make sure your noodles are not overcooked. - Alternative meats and cheeses: You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. For a richer taste, use lamb. If you want a different cheese, try provolone or gouda. They add a unique flavor. - Vegan or vegetarian options: For a meatless version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Replace ricotta with tofu blended with a little lemon juice. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. - Ideal side dishes: Serve your lasagna with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and balances the meal. - Presentation ideas: Cut the lasagna into squares and place them on a plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the look and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses enhance the flavor and texture of your lasagna, making it truly irresistible. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile. Make It Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make your lasagna even better with tasty extras. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try mixing in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. They add great texture and taste. You can also blend in spinach for a healthy twist. This makes it colorful and fun! Using different cheese blends can change the whole dish. Instead of just mozzarella, mix in provolone or fontina. They melt well and add unique flavors. You can also try ricotta with herbs for a fresh taste. Experimenting with cheeses can make each bite special. You don’t have to use an oven to make lasagna. A slow cooker is a great choice! Just layer your ingredients and cook on low for about 6 hours. This method makes the flavors meld beautifully. Plus, it’s a hands-off way to prepare your meal. Instant Pot is another quick way to cook lasagna. Layer your noodles and sauces, then cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. The result is a moist, flavorful dish. You still get that delicious lasagna taste without waiting too long. To store leftover lasagna, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish safe to eat. Leftover lasagna lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze lasagna, cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrap helps prevent freezer burn. You can also store it in a freezer-safe container. Homemade lasagna can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat lasagna without drying it out, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps moisture in. Heat for about 25 minutes or until it is hot throughout. You can also microwave individual pieces. Add a splash of water to keep it moist, then cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts until warm. Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare lasagna in advance. Just assemble it and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. How long does homemade lasagna last? Homemade lasagna can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. What can I serve with lasagna? Lasagna pairs well with side salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A light salad adds freshness to the meal. Why is my lasagna watery? A watery lasagna can happen if the sauce is too runny. Make sure to drain excess liquid from the meat sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles. How do I fix layers that won't stay together? If layers fall apart, ensure you let the lasagna cool before slicing. This helps the layers set and stick together better. Is lasagna high in calories? Yes, lasagna can be high in calories due to cheese and meat. You can use less cheese or lean meats to reduce the calorie count. Can I make lasagna gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. You can also use vegetables like zucchini for a low-carb option. Lasagna is a comforting dish with layers of flavor. We covered the key ingredients, from noodles to cheeses, and shared step-by-step instructions. I also provided tips and tricks to avoid soggy layers and suggested ingredient swaps for different diets. You can explore variations using slow cookers or Instant Pots. Remember, lasagna stores well in the fridge or freezer. With all these details, you can confidently create your lasagna masterpiece. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish with family and friends!$

The Ultimate Cheesy Lasagna

A delicious and cheesy lasagna layered with meat, ricotta, and mozzarella.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 noodles lasagna
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles and remaining meat sauce on top.
Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Serve slices of lasagna on a plate and sprinkle with fresh basil for a pop of color. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Keyword cheesy, Italian, lasagna, pasta