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Lasagna

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Lasagna is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish layered with rich meat or vegetable sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or plant-based substitute)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. If using regular noodles, cook them according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat.
  6. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread ricotta mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Letting lasagna rest after baking helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
  • No-boil noodles work well—just ensure your sauce has enough moisture.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor—try provolone or fontina.
  • Vegetarian version: replace meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
  • Lasagna can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.

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