Homemade Lasagna Recipe Brief Backstory
Our homemade lasagna recipe is a versatile Italian comfort food. That has been savored for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where layered dishes akin to modern lasagna were crafted using pasta, cheese, and sauce.
As time passed, lasagna transformed into the iconic dish we recognize today, with variations in regions across Italy and the globe.
A traditional lasagna typically features layers of broad, flat pasta sheets alternating with rich meat or vegetable sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
Whether it’s a comforting family dinner or the star of a festive gathering, lasagna’s adaptability allows it to cater to various tastes and preferences, making it a beloved staple in the hearts and kitchens of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Our Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Dive into Italian comfort food with our homemade lasagna recipe. Create layers of rich tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1lb (450g) Lasagna sheets about 1 packet
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced or crushed garlic for convenience
- 1lb (450g) Ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24oz (680g) Marinara sauce one jar
- 15oz (425g) Ricotta cheese
- 1 Egg
- ¼ cup Fresh basil sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.2. Cook the Lasagna Sheets: Don't worry. This step is as easy as boiling water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from sticking. Lay the cooked lasagna sheets flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.5. Assemble the Lasagna: Add a single layer of lasagna sheets on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the pasta. Arrange another layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the lasagna, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.6. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
CREATIVE TWISTS AND MODERN ADAPTATIONS Lasagna, with its versatile layers, is a canvas for your culinary creativity. Explore vegetarian, seafood, and gluten-free variations, or experiment with different cheeses and sauces to create a lasagna that truly reflects your taste. Vegetarian Option: Make a vegetarian lasagna by omitting the meat and doubling up on vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, squash, or eggplant. Seafood Variation: Create a seafood lasagna by incorporating shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon layers with a creamy Alfredo sauce. Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets or substitute thinly sliced zucchini or potato for the pasta layers to make them gluten-free. White Sauce Variation: Instead of using marinara sauce, make a creamy white sauce (béchamel) to layer with the lasagna sheets for a different flavor profile. Experiment with Cheese: Get creative with the cheese layer by combining different cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or goat cheese for added depth of flavor.
