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How to Make Classic and Traditional Lasagn At Home

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Dive into “Timeless Taste: Classic and Traditional Lasagna,” a rich and hearty dish that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. This lasagna layers tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all smothered in a robust tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, special occasion, or any day that calls for a delicious, filling meal, this traditional lasagna is baked to perfection, offering layers of flavor in every bite.

Table of Contents hide
1 Why You’ll Love Classic and Traditional Lasagna:
2 Ingredients Notes For Classic and Traditional Lasagna:
3 Recipe Steps:
4 Storage Options:
5 INGREDIENTS
5.1 or the Meat Sauce:
5.2 For the Ricotta Mixture:
5.3 Additional Ingredients:
6 INSTRUCTIONS

Why You’ll Love Classic and Traditional Lasagna:

  • Rich and Satisfying: Packed with layers of cheese, meat, and sauce, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for feeding a large group, as it can be made ahead and baked when needed.
  • Versatile: Easy to customize with different fillings and cheeses based on your preferences.
  • A True Classic: This traditional recipe stays true to its Italian roots, delivering authentic flavors.

Ingredients Notes For Classic and Traditional Lasagna:

    • Lasagna Noodles: Use traditional lasagna noodles that require boiling; for convenience, no-boil noodles are also a great option.
    • Ground Beef: The base for the meat sauce, providing rich, savory flavors. Some recipes also mix in ground pork or Italian sausage.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers. You can mix it with an egg to help set the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese layer. Freshly grated works best.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor when sprinkled on top.
  • Tomato Sauce: Homemade or a good quality jarred marinara sauce for rich tomato flavor.
  • Herbs and Spices: Garlic, basil, and oregano are essential for authentic Italian flavoring.
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Recipe Steps:

    1. Prepare the Sauce: Cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Add marinara sauce, basil, and oregano, simmering to develop the flavors.
    1. Cook the Noodles: If using traditional noodles, boil them until al dente. Rinse under cold water and lay flat on towels to dry.
    2. Mix Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta cheese with an egg, salt, pepper, and a handful of Parmesan for added flavor.
    3. Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, start with a layer of sauce, then noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  1. Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  2. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Storage Options:

    • Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

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

        1. 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.

        1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
          • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
        2. Assemble the Lasagna:
            • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

            • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 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.
        3. 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.

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

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