Heavenly Homemade Lasagna

$To make Copycat Maggiano's Lasagna, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 lasagna noodles - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 15 ounces ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. Each one plays a key role in making the lasagna rich and tasty. The combination of meats, cheeses, and herbs gives it a classic flavor that everyone loves. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets the oven ready for the lasagna. Fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them on a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them from sticking together. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Then, add the chopped onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is brown and the onion is soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute to bring out the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens and the flavors blend nicely. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. This filling adds richness to the lasagna. Grab a large baking dish. Start by adding a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Then, spread a third of the ricotta mixture. Top it with some shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat this layering two more times. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and top with more mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil. If you want, spray the foil with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown when done. When the lasagna is done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for easier serving. Garnish each slice with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color. To cook the noodles, use a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles slowly. Cook them until they are al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means they are firm to the bite. This texture helps the noodles hold up during baking. Drain the noodles well and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel. To avoid sticking, lay the cooked noodles flat on a towel. You can also lightly brush them with olive oil. This helps keep them separate. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers. This simple step saves you time when layering your dish. For a rich, deep flavor, use fresh ingredients. Start with good ground beef and Italian sausage. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil. This step builds a flavor base. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste along with herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. For a smooth cheese filling, mix ricotta cheese with one egg. Add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Whisk until it is creamy and smooth. This consistency makes it easy to spread between layers. It also helps create a rich flavor in every bite. To impress your guests, slice the lasagna into squares. Serve each piece on individual plates. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce for more flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. These small touches make your dish look and taste gourmet. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of your lasagna. Add it to the cheese filling and as a garnish for a burst of freshness. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cooking your noodles to al dente ensures they hold their shape and texture when baked, preventing a mushy lasagna. Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for a unique flavor combination in your lasagna. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free version, swap the beef and sausage for veggies. Use zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These add great flavor and texture. You can use the same meat sauce recipe but replace the meat with sautéed vegetables. This makes a hearty dish that everyone can enjoy. For gluten-free lasagna, choose gluten-free noodles. Many brands offer these now. You can also layer with thin slices of eggplant or zucchini. They work well and keep the dish flavorful. Just make sure to salt them to remove excess moisture before layering. Try mixing different cheeses for a unique taste. You can add goat cheese or feta for a tangy kick. Blend cream cheese with ricotta for extra creaminess. Each cheese adds its own charm and makes your lasagna special. Want to add more depth? Mix in some red pepper flakes for spice. A splash of red wine in the sauce can bring rich flavors. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can also brighten the dish. Experimenting with these extras lets you create your own signature lasagna. After you enjoy your lasagna, let the leftovers cool. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat a slice or two. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the lasagna cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can keep it for up to three months. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warm. For the microwave, place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it's heated through. Enjoy your lasagna just like it was fresh! You can prepare the lasagna a day before. Just layer it in the dish and cover it. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a bit more time to ensure it heats through. Absolutely! Store-bought sauces can save time. Choose a good-quality marinara or meat sauce. For cheeses, use fresh mozzarella and ricotta if you can. They melt better and taste great. To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Check the top of the lasagna to see if the cheese is golden brown. Use a knife to poke through the center; it should be hot. If you see bubbling sauce, it's a great sign. Let it rest before slicing for best results. To wrap it up, this article shared how to make a delicious lasagna. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I also offered variations for special diets and storage advice. Remember, practice makes perfect. You can enjoy a tasty dish that everyone loves. So roll up your sleeves and start cooking. Your homemade lasagna awaits!$

A delicious and hearty lasagna made with layers of meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 noodles lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 oz each)
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, followed by the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion becomes translucent. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute for enhanced flavor.
Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
In a large baking dish, start assembling your lasagna. Begin with a generous layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Next, place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a third of the ricotta mixture. Top this with a portion of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan). Finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
Carefully cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (if desired, spray the underside with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier. Garnish each slice with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an impressive presentation, slice the lasagna into squares and serve on individual plates. Consider drizzling with additional marinara sauce for richness, and sprinkle fresh basil on top for an elegant finish.

Keyword Italian, lasagna, pasta