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Best Homemade Lasagna

Best Homemade Lasagna: Comforting Layers of Cheesy Goodness

Discover the best homemade lasagna that combines rich flavors and comforting layers, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can substitute with any neutral oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Replace with white or red onion if needed
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced preferred
  • 1 pound Ground beef (93/7) Or try ground turkey or chicken
  • 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes Can switch to crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can Tomato sauce Marinara or homemade can be used
  • 1 cup Water Broth can add flavor
  • 2 leaves Bay leaves Remove before serving
  • 1.5 teaspoons Dried basil Fresh basil can be used
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar Can be replaced with honey or omitted
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Make your own with herbs
  • Salt Adjust to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 8 oz Mozzarella cheese For mixing
  • 4 oz Mozzarella cheese For topping
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano can be used
  • 2 cups Ricotta cheese Cottage cheese can replace it
  • Black pepper For seasoning
For the Layers
  • 1 pound Lasagna noodles Consider no-boil noodles for convenience

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and equipment.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds, then incorporate ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 1-2 hours.
  5. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
  6. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until slightly al dente, then drain and place in cold water.
  7. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and remaining sauce. Finish with noodles topped with meat sauce and mozzarella.
  8. Cover with greased foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving ensures easier slicing and prevents a messy serve.

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