Description
A classic homemade lasagna recipe featuring layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Components
- Lasagna noodles (enough for 3 layers, about 9 noodles)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Season Meat: Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to infuse the beef mixture with classic Italian flavors.
- Add Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and uniform.
- Layer Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and start the layering.
- Layer Noodles: Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce carefully.
- Layer Cheese and Sauce: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then add another layer of the meat sauce followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook through.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Rest: Take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to set properly, making it easier to slice.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Notes
- Be sure to not overcook the noodles when boiling; al dente is best to avoid mushy lasagna.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for variation.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if desired.
- Use fresh basil for garnish as dried basil loses its vibrant color and flavor when baked.
