OUR FAVORITE LASAGNA
- WineCheeseScallops
- Aug 8, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Our lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers throughout the week. Layers of tender oven-ready noodles, rich and hearty meat sauce, and creamy ricotta are generously topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. The slow-simmered sauce, infused with a blend of Italian herbs, fennel seeds, and fresh parsley, gives the lasagna a depth of flavor that makes it truly special. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil, this lasagna not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on the plate, making it an ideal centerpiece for any family gathering or special occasion.
Lasagna was never our son's favorite—actually, it was on his list of least-liked dishes because he's not a fan of creamy cheese. But this recipe changed everything! With its meat-forward flavor and perfectly balanced layers, this lasagna is right up his alley, making it a new favorite in our household.
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Why Our Lasagna Recipe is the Best:
Rich, Hearty Sauce: Our lasagna features a slow-simmered meat sauce that's infused with Italian herbs, fennel, and fresh parsley, creating deep, robust flavors in every bite.
Perfectly Layered: The recipe guides you through layering noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and cheeses to create a beautifully balanced dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Oven-Ready Convenience: Using oven-ready lasagna noodles makes the preparation process quicker and easier, while still delivering that classic, comforting texture.
Customizable: Whether you prefer more mozzarella, extra herbs, or a different blend of cheeses, our recipe allows you to tailor the dish to your taste without compromising quality.
Ideal for Any Occasion: This lasagna is perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to special gatherings, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
Leftover Gold: Our lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Simple Instructions: The recipe is easy to follow, with detailed steps that ensure even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-quality lasagna at home.
Garnish Finish: A final sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant touch.
Versatile Pan Options: Whether using a standard 9x13 dish or a specialized lasagna pan, our recipe adapts easily, ensuring perfect results every time.
Guaranteed Satisfaction: This lasagna is a time-tested favorite that never fails to satisfy, making it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Let’s Dive Into Lasagna: Origins and Cooking Tips!
Ancient Roots: Did you know that lasagna has roots dating back to ancient times? The name "lasagna" is believed to come from the Greek word "laganon," which refers to the first known form of pasta. The Romans adopted this dish, making it with layers of dough and sauce, much like the modern lasagna we know today.
A True Italian Classic: Lasagna, as we recognize it now, originated in Italy. The dish we know today is most commonly associated with the region of Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy. The classic version, Lasagna alla Bolognese, features layers of fresh egg pasta, rich meat sauce (ragù), creamy béchamel, and plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Regional Variations: Like many Italian dishes, lasagna has regional variations. In Naples, lasagna is often made with ricotta cheese, meatballs, sausage, and hard-boiled eggs, creating a heartier and more filling dish. Lasagna al Forno, from the Emilia-Romagna region, typically uses a green spinach pasta, ragù, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Rich and Layered: A good lasagna is all about the layers! The pasta sheets are layered with a combination of sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables. Traditional lasagna can take a bit of time to assemble, but the result is a deliciously rich and comforting dish with distinct layers of flavor in every bite.
The Secret to Perfect Lasagna: The key to a perfect lasagna lies in the balance of flavors and textures. A good meat sauce or ragù should be slow-cooked to allow the flavors to develop fully. The béchamel sauce should be smooth and creamy, adding a delicate richness to the dish. Freshly grated cheese on each layer adds depth and a satisfying melt.
No-Boil Noodles? No Problem!: While traditional lasagna recipes call for cooking the pasta sheets beforehand, many modern recipes use no-boil noodles for convenience. These noodles absorb the moisture from the sauce as they bake, resulting in perfectly tender pasta without the extra step.
Make It Your Own: One of the great things about lasagna is its versatility. It can be made vegetarian by swapping out the meat sauce for a vegetable-based one or going for a creamy spinach and ricotta filling. You can also use different types of cheese or add your favorite ingredients to create a lasagna that suits your taste.
Great for Leftovers: Lasagna is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making leftovers a delicious treat. It’s perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or potlucks—just bake, serve, and enjoy!
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about lasagna’s rich history and some tips for making it at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your spin on it, lasagna is a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. Buon appetito!
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Serves 12
Ingredients:
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
½ cup water
2 Tbs white sugar
4 Tbs chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 ½ tsp dried basil leaves
1 ½ tsp salt, divided (or to taste)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ ts. fennel seeds
¼ ts. ground black pepper
12 lasagna noodles (we use oven-ready flat lasagna noodles)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
¾ lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 or more basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting the recipe.
Cook Meat: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until well browned. Drain off most of the fat.
Make Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 Tbsp. parsley, basil, 1 tsp. salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook Noodles (if needed): If not using oven-ready lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining 2 Tbsp. parsley, and ½ tsp. salt.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble Lasagna:
Spread 1 ½ - 2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce, slightly overlapping.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Top with one-third of the mozzarella slices.
Spoon 1 ½ - 2 cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray or ensure it doesn’t touch the cheese). Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
Rest: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil leaves before cutting.
Notes: If using a lasagna pan instead of a 9x13 dish, you may need additional mozzarella slices and lasagna noodles.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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