Authentic Italian Lasagna
An indulgent Italian dish filled with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
- 12 oz Lasagna noodles Traditional wide noodles or no-boil varieties.
- 1 lb Ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- 24 oz Marinara sauce Homemade adds more flavor.
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Creamy and slightly sweet.
- 16 oz Mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded will melt better.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Sharp and nutty for topping.
- 1 cup Fresh basil Substitute with dried if fresh isn’t available.
- 1 large Egg For binding the ricotta mixture.
- to taste tsp Salt For seasoning.
- to taste tsp Pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and half the fresh basil.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkling of mozzarella.
- Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ending with noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella on top.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.
Baking
- Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles. Add vegetables for nutrition. Cool leftovers for storage in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.