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why make this recipe
Homemade lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings families together at the dinner table. This recipe is full of rich flavors, layers of delicious cheese, and hearty meat, making it a favorite for many. It’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy night at home. Plus, making lasagna from scratch allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste, ensuring that it’s just the way you like it.
how to make Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 24 oz jars pasta sauce
- 16 oz box lasagna noodles
- 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 24 oz container cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
Directions:
- Start by boiling a large pot of water for the lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the water and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and season it with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Drain any excess grease from the ground beef. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and the two jars of pasta sauce. Let this simmer on low heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley until well combined.
- Spray your pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and begin layering the lasagna.
- Start with a ladle of the meat sauce at the bottom of one of the pans. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, add spoonfuls of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers: more meat sauce, 3 lasagna noodles, more cheese mixture, and more mozzarella cheese, until all the ingredients are used.
- For the final layer, add the meat sauce, lay down the lasagna noodles, spread the cheese mixture, cover it with more meat sauce, and top with more shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the lasagna at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, for about 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese nicely. Sprinkle with dried parsley and some Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you have an extra lasagna, cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking, or bake from frozen for at least a couple of hours.
how to serve Homemade Lasagna
Serve homemade lasagna hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into squares and use a spatula to transfer the pieces to plates. You can accompany it with a mixed green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor!
how to store Homemade Lasagna
To store homemade lasagna, allow it to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and it will last for about 3 months.
tips to make Homemade Lasagna
- For easier assembly, cook the noodles al dente, so they don’t become too soft while baking.
- You can add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles.
- Let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking before cutting. This helps it hold its shape better.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also use different cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, to change up the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
Q: What type of meat can I use in lasagna?
A: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or any other ground meat you prefer.
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Q: Can I freeze homemade lasagna?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking or after it has been baked. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to keep it fresh.
Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust for desired spiciness.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 48 oz pasta sauce (2 jars) Choose your preferred pasta sauce.
Lasagna Assembly Ingredients
- 16 oz lasagna noodles Regular or no-boil noodles.
- 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese Add more for extra cheesiness.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 24 oz cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Additional for topping.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the cheese mixture.
- 1 tbsp dried parsley For added flavor.
Instructions
Preparing Noodles and Sauce
- Boil a large pot of water for the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic and pasta sauce. Simmer on low heat.
Mixing Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley until well combined.
Layering and Baking
- Spray your baking pan with cooking spray. Start layering: Begin with a ladle of meat sauce at the bottom of the pan, followed by 3 lasagna noodles, spoonfuls of cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used: meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella.
- For the top layer, add meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, cover with more meat sauce, and top with mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F covered with foil for about 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, then broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese.