Few dishes are as comforting and satisfying as a hearty lasagna. This classic Italian favourite is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you are a seasoned cook or trying it for the first time, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a delicious, homemade lasagna that everyone will love.
How to make a classic homemade Lasagna recipe
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
For the ricotta mixture:
- 250g of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
Other ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese ( for topping)
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragnant.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: - In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and salt. Mix well.
Assemble the lasagna: - Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
Bake: - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: - Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.