Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic homemade lasagna is packed with tender pasta, a rich meaty sauce, and gooey melted cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food. It's easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 12 lasagna noodles
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Cook onions and garlic until soft, then add crushed tomatoes, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Beat egg and mix with ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cook noodles as per package instructions.
- Layer: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture; repeat, ending with sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, uncover, bake another 25 minutes until bubbly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or use a mix of cheeses.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze lasagna for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes, freeze the fully assembled lasagna before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles for convenience.
How can I make this lasagna spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Can I use a different meat?
Feel free to use sausage or a combination of meats.
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
What side dishes go well with lasagna?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, feel free to load up with more mozzarella or Parmesan.
Conclusion
This lasagna is a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to please. With its savory layers of sauce, cheese, and noodles, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.
Natasha's Kitchen Lasagna
This classic homemade lasagna is packed with tender pasta, a rich meaty sauce, and gooey melted cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food. It's easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 12 lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Cook onions and garlic until soft, then add crushed tomatoes, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Beat egg and mix with ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cook noodles as per package instructions.
- Layer: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture; repeat, ending with sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, uncover, bake another 25 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or use a mix of cheeses.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze lasagna for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
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