Print

The Best Homemade Lasagna

A comforting and hearty lasagna recipe that layers pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck (or ground turkey or plant-based meat)
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 large bell pepper, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can good-quality tomato sauce
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, tightly packed
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • A pinch of garlic powder and/or garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
  • 1 to 1/4 cup sugar (to taste, optional)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 pound dry lasagna noodles
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk ricotta)
  • 1 1/2 pounds (24 ounces) mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced
  • 1/4 pound (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dry lasagna noodles according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cool water. Drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Meat: While the noodles are cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Make the Sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add parsley, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Pour in the wine vinegar and add sugar if desired. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-45 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the ingredients: start with sauce, then noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles and sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crispier top.
  7. Cool Before Serving: Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality ingredients like authentic Italian tomato sauces and fresh herbs. Let ricotta sit at room temperature before mixing for better blending.

Nutrition

Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Tiktok