Classic Lasagna Pasta
Indulge in the timeless comfort of Classic Lasagna Pasta! Layer upon layer of rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets come together in this beloved Italian dish. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to satisfy all appetites.
Ingredients:
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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.
3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg until well combined.
5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and cheese on top.
6. Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the lasagna is heated through.
7. Let it rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve and enjoy: Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice into squares and serve hot. Enjoy your classic lasagna pasta!
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. Feel free to customize it by adding additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce, or by using different types of cheese.
