Lasagna Recipe

This Lasagna is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and gatherings. Tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling are baked to bubbly perfection, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious lasagna:

For the Lasagna:

• Ground beef: Use 15-20% fat content for the best flavor and texture.
• Onion: Finely diced, for flavor and texture.
• Garlic cloves: Minced, for aromatic depth.
• Dry red wine or beef broth: Adds depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme: For seasoning the meat sauce.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parsley: Finely chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor.
• Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente, these form the layers of the lasagna.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• Low-fat cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Reduced-fat ricotta cheese: Adds another layer of creaminess.
• Egg: Binds the cheese filling together.
• Parsley: Finely chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, for that classic cheesy melt.

How to Make Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the red wine (or beef broth) and cook until the liquid is nearly evaporated. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sugar, and stir in the parsley. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain¹ the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread ½ cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread with ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Spoon half of the cheese sauce over the mozzarella, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers twice, ending with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Poke 9-12 toothpicks into the top of the lasagna to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Lasagna

• Family Meal: This lasagna is a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.
• Potluck Dish: It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.
• Holiday Dinner: Lasagna is a classic dish for holiday celebrations and special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but you may need to adjust the baking time and the amount of liquid in the meat sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the sauce.

Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before freezing.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Lasagna that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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