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How to Make Classic and Traditional Lasagn At Home

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Ingredients
 

or the Meat Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork optional; you can use all beef if preferred
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles cooked according to package instructions and drained
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
  • Add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine if using. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

  • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Layer four lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly to fit.
  • Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake the Lasagna:

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Serve:

  • Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.