Lasagna




Ah, lasagna! A comforting and hearty Italian dish that layers pasta, sauce, and cheese for a truly delightful meal. Here is a recipe to guide you in making a delicious lasagna:






Ingredients:



- 12 lasagna noodles

- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 2 cups ricotta cheese

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)




Instructions:




1. Start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.


2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.


3. Reduce the heat to low and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.


4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).


5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.


6. Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.


7. Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it out evenly. Then, ladle a layer of the meat sauce over the cheese.


8. Repeat the layers, alternating noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, until all the ingredients are used up. The top layer should be meat sauce.


9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.


10. Cover the baking dish with 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 lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is golden and melty.


11. Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve neatly.


12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a pop of freshness and flavor.


Serve this delicious lasagna with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the layers of flavor and cheesy goodness that lasagna brings. 

Buon appetito!