Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna completely and refrigerate it overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

What are some other ways to use this meat sauce?

This meat sauce is versatile! Use it on pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a filling for stuffed peppers or zucchini boats.

What are the nutritional benefits of using San Marzano tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet flavor and lower acidity. They’re also a good source of lycopene.

Easy Homemade Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic

Description

This Homemade lasagna recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness. Here’s how to create a masterpiece

Ingredients

Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (lean ground turkey or beef is a healthier alternative)
Onion: 1 large, chopped (small diced shallots offer a more delicate flavour)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (use more for a stronger garlic punch!)
Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz can (San Marzano tomatoes provide a richer, sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you could use 28oz of passata.)
Dried Oregano: 2 tsp (fresh oregano adds a brighter, more intense flavor)
Dried Basil: 2 tsp (again, fresh basil elevates the flavor profile)
Salt: 1.5 tsp (sea salt offers a more complex flavour)
Black Pepper: 0.5 tsp (freshly ground black pepper is always best!)
Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz container (part-skim ricotta reduces the fat content without sacrificing creaminess. Vegan ricotta alternatives are readily available.)
Egg: 1 large (flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) is a great vegan substitute)
Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (low-moisture mozzarella melts better and prevents a watery lasagna. Part-skim mozzarella reduces the fat content.)
Parmesan Cheese: 0.5 cup, grated (vegan parmesan cheese is a good option for a plant-based lasagna)
Lasagna Noodles: 9-12, oven-ready (no-boil lasagna noodles save time, but regular lasagna noodles will require pre-cooking according to package directions)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and melting of your cheese.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. For a quicker browning, spread the beef evenly across the pan. Avoid overcrowding, which results in steaming instead of browning.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This adds a base layer of flavor. Don’t burn the garlic – reduce the heat if necessary.
Simmer the meat sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allowing the sauce to simmer develops a rich, complex flavor. A longer simmering time (up to 30 minutes) is recommended for maximum flavour depth. For a richer sauce, add 1 tbsp of tomato paste.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well. This creamy layer adds moisture and flavor to your lasagna. If using a vegan egg substitute, ensure it’s fully incorporated for a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella and 1/4 of the parmesan cheese over the ricotta. Repeat these layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and parmesan. Top with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For crispier edges and a better cheese melt, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes (keeping a close eye to prevent burning).
Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to serve neat slices. Use a large, sharp knife for clean cuts. Consider using cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kid-friendly portions.

Notes

These Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate) values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Consult a nutrition calculator for precise values.)

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Meals and Sides
Method: Easy

Nutrition

Calories: 450-500 kcal
Fat: 30
Carbohydrates: 50
Protein: 30

Keywords: Homemade Lasagna, Lasagna Recipe, Lasagna with Ricotta, Easy Lasagna