Introduction:
Is there anything more comforting than a towering slice of cheesy, meaty lasagna? This Ultimate Homemade Lasagna features layers of rich bolognese sauce, creamy ricotta, and a bubbling blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Sunday dinner or a holiday feast. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieving those perfect, stable layers every single time!
Ingredients
The Pasta: 12-15 Lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready).
The Meat Sauce (Bolognese): 1 lb ground beef, 1 lb ground Italian sausage, 2 jars (24 oz each) of marinara sauce, 1 onion (diced), and 3 cloves garlic.
The Cheese Layer: 15 oz Ricotta cheese, 1 egg (to bind), ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
The Topping: 4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (extra cheesy!).
Seasoning: 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Instructions
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large pot, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain the fat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft. Pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer on low for at least 20 minutes to develop the flavor.
Prep the Ricotta: In a medium bowl, mix the Ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.
Layering Perfection: * Base: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Layer 1: Place lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the Ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a handful of mozzarella.
Repeat: Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish.
The Masterpiece Top: Finish with a thick, generous layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil (make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese!) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
The Rest: Crucial Step! Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This ensures the layers stay together when you serve it.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Carbs | 34g |
FAQ
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. How do I stop my lasagna from being watery?
Make sure your meat sauce is thick and simmered down. Also, letting the lasagna rest after baking allows the juices to set.
“The layers you’ve been dreaming of! Forget the restaurant, this homemade lasagna is better. Who wants the secret to the perfect layers? “
