How to Prepare a Delicious Lasagna Dish?
Lasagna is a beloved classic in the realm of Italian cuisine, known for its rich layers of cheese, meat, sauce, and pasta. Here’s a straightforward recipe to help you create a delicious lasagna at home.
Ingredients
- 9-12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preparation of Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside on a clean cloth to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Pour in the marinara sauce to the cooked meat, mix well, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, and an egg. Mix thoroughly.
3. Layering the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer four lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture, then sprinkle some of the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Finish with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and the remaining cheeses.
4. Baking
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. Serving
- Cut the lasagna into squares and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
This recipe will not only fill your kitchen with an aromatic Italian scent but also satisfy your craving for a hearty meal that pleases both the eye and the palate. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!