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The Best Lasagna Recipe

The Best Lasagna Recipe
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The Best Lasagna Recipe is a classic Italian comfort food featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese between tender pasta sheets. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a warm and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef and pork blend
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 28 oz San Marzano or quality crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
  • 3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian herbs for garnish (basil or parsley)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef and pork blend in a large pan until fully cooked; drain excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
  2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy, cohesive filling.
  3. Cook the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. No-boil noodles can be used directly without pre-cooking.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, followed by more meat sauce, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and generous amounts of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with sauce topped with mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for the best flavor.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking for cleaner slices.
  • Balance sauce and cheese layers evenly for consistent taste.
  • Choose high-quality cheeses such as fresh mozzarella and real Parmesan.
  • Simmer the meat sauce long enough to concentrate flavors and reduce acidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, Italian lasagna, classic lasagna, comfort food, baked pasta, ricotta lasagna, meat sauce lasagna

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/the-best-lasagna-recipe/