What ingredients do you need?
To make the perfect lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce
In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain the excess fat. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times.
Step 4: Bake and serve
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve.
Tips for a perfect lasagna
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with different variations, such as spinach and ricotta or vegetable lasagna.
- Prepare the meat sauce a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
Follow this step-by-step guide with our expert tips, and you’ll be able to master the art of making the perfect lasagna. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal, this classic dish is sure to impress and satisfy.