Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work

Nothing beats a hearty, cheesy lasagna at the end of a long day. This comforting classic combines a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Comfort Food: Layers of warm, cheesy goodness that feel like a hug in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, use different cheeses, or make it spicy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dish loved by both kids and adults.
• Balanced Flavor: The homemade meat sauce is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Other Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir until well mixed.

Preheat Oven

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

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
6. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Add layers of sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Cheese Swap: Try using provolone, Asiago, or Gruyère for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Dairy-Free: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce enhances the flavor significantly.

2. Can I make this lasagna in advance?

Yes, assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

3. Can I freeze cooked lasagna?

Absolutely. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

4. What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Drain cooked noodles well and let the meat sauce simmer until thickened.

5. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or spinach make great additions.

7. How do I avoid sticking noodles?

Place cooked noodles on parchment paper or drizzle with olive oil.

8. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, either can be used for a leaner option.

9. What pairs well with lasagna?

Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.

10. How long should lasagna rest before serving?

Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to ensure clean slices.

Conclusion

This lasagna recipe is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. With its hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta layers, and melty mozzarella topping, it’s a dish that brings comfort to every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or enjoying leftovers the next day, this lasagna is sure to be a hit!

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