Grandma's Heartwarming Italian Lasagna

$In Grandma's Italian lasagna, every ingredient plays a key role. Here’s what you will need: - 9 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes - 15 oz ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for cooking - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Each ingredient adds its own flavor and texture. The noodles hold everything together, while the meats give it a hearty taste. The onion and garlic create a strong base for the sauce. Crushed tomatoes add moisture and richness. The blend of cheeses provides creaminess and a delicious finish. Seasonings like oregano and basil add a classic Italian touch. Finally, olive oil helps to cook the meat and keep it juicy. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven: First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the lasagna evenly. - Cook the lasagna noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 9 lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. They should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel or greased baking sheet. This stops them from sticking together. - Prepare the meat sauce: In a big skillet, heat some olive oil on medium. Add 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes, until brown. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. Next, mix in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, and salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. - Create the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, half of 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture should be creamy and smooth. - Layering process outlined: Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Then, add one-third of the meat sauce and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering twice more. Finish with the last layer of meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. - Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and lightly browned. - Resting time before serving: Once done, take the lasagna out of the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. For a nice touch, add fresh basil leaves on top before serving. To make the best lasagna, cooking the noodles just right is key. Cook them to al dente, which means they should be firm yet tender. This way, the noodles will hold their shape when layered. Boil them in salted water for 8-10 minutes. After draining, lay them flat to prevent sticking. Next, let’s talk about the meat sauce. When you cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, make sure to drain any excess fat. This keeps your sauce from being greasy. A leaner sauce allows the flavors to shine. Use a colander to drain the fat before adding the tomatoes and seasonings. Serving your lasagna well makes a big difference. Use warm plates for each slice. This keeps the dish hot and inviting. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. A small sprig adds a lovely touch. You can also serve a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. These details make the dish feel special and homemade. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses to elevate the flavor of your lasagna. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the layers set for easier slicing. Customize the Meat: Feel free to mix different types of meat such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Store and Reheat: Leftover lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results. {{image_4}} You can change Grandma's lasagna to fit your tastes. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat. Use these ingredients instead: - 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups spinach - 1 medium zucchini, sliced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 15 oz ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 can crushed tomatoes This mix brings fresh flavors to the dish. You can also try different types of cheese. For example, swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda. Each cheese gives a unique taste and texture. You can cook lasagna in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, layer ingredients just like in the oven. Set it on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method keeps the dish moist and tender. If you prefer the Instant Pot, use the sauté function first. Brown the meat and cook the sauce. Then, layer the noodles and fillings. Add a cup of water to the pot. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. These methods make it easy to enjoy lasagna anytime. To keep your lasagna fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftover lasagna in an airtight container. It will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. - Freezing tips: For longer storage, you can freeze lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. Label the package with the date. To enjoy your lasagna again, use these methods: - Best methods for reheating lasagna: The oven works best for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until hot. - If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your hearty lasagna again with these easy steps! Yes, you can make lasagna ahead of time. Prepare it fully, but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk works too. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a rich flavor. Homemade lasagna stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Properly frozen lasagna can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it before reheating. You now have all the steps to make delicious lasagna. From gathering ingredients to serving it hot, I covered everything you need. Remember, the right noodles and a good balance of meat and cheese are key. Try some variations or tips to make your dish unique. With simple storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy leftovers too. I hope you feel ready to create your perfect lasagna. Enjoy cooking and sharing this classic dish!$

Grandma's Heartwarming Italian Lasagna

A comforting and delicious lasagna recipe made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

9 noodles lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
for cooking olive oil olive oil
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (approximately 6-8 minutes). Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Mix in the crushed tomatoes along with the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese with the egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Follow with one-third of the ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles. Top this with one-third of the meat sauce and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, and finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers set and makes serving easier. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve each slice on warm plates, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Keyword comfort food, Italian, lasagna