Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen! Lasagna, the ultimate comfort food, brings joy to any dinner table with its layers of cheesy goodness and rich flavors. In this post, I'll guide you through a foolproof homemade lasagna recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a delicious meal that everyone will love! I can't wait to share it with you so...
Let's Get Started!
INGREDIENTS:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine or Chicken Stock
- 1 (28 oz) can of Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar (optional)
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tbsp Dried Basil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 (15 oz) Container Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For the Layers:
- 2 boxes of No Boil Lasagna Noodles
- 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the bell pepper and onion are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Wine and Tomatoes: Stir in the red wine and let it come to a simmer. Simmer until the wine reduces by half. Next, add the crushed tomatoes and water.
- Season the Sauce: Add the sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste for seasoning and make any adjustment you feel it needs.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil Noodles (unless you use no-boil): Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F/109°C
Layering:
- Spread 1.5 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into servings.
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT LASAGNA:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese can make a big difference in flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Customize: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a healthier twist.
There you have it! A mouthwatering homemade lasagne recipe that's perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week. With its hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked noodles, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors or homemade lasagna!
And as always...
Happy Eatin' Y'all
~The Kitchen Wife~
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