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The Best Homemade Lasagna

The Best Homemade Lasagna

A delicious and hearty lasagna recipe, ideal for family dinners and gatherings. Discover how to make the best homemade lasagna with layers of meat sauce, cheese, and noodles.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • casserole dish
  • colander

Ingredients
  

For the meat sauce

  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck
  • 0.5 medium onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 0.5 large bell pepper, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce good-quality
  • 3 ounces tomato paste (half a 6-ounce can)
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (preferably flat leaf), packed
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch garlic powder and/or garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (to taste, optional)
  • Salt to taste

To assemble the lasagna

  • 0.5 pound dry lasagna noodles (requires 9 lasagna noodles - unbroken)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 pounds mozzarella cheese (24 ounces, grated or sliced)
  • 0.25 pound freshly grated Parmesan cheese (4 ounces)

Instructions
 

Method

  • Put a large pot of salted water (1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water) on the stovetop on high heat.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned.
  • Add diced bell pepper and onions to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Transfer the beef mixture to a medium-sized pot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix in the herbs and seasonings.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 to 45 minutes, stirring often.
  • Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to package directions, then rinse with cool water.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a casserole dish, layer sauce, noodles, mozzarella, and ricotta as described in the assembling steps.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes if desired.
  • Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Leftovers will keep for about 5 days.

Notes

For best results, let the lasagna cool before serving to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 823mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, family dinner, homemade lasagna, Italian Cuisine, lasagna recipe, pasta
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