This classic baked lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that layers pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing a comforting meal that everyone will love.
The recipe is straightforward and involves basic cooking techniques. You can customize it with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your taste.
Layers of Comfort
Baked lasagna is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese creates a comforting meal that is both hearty and indulgent.
Each layer tells a story, from the rich meat sauce simmered to perfection to the creamy ricotta that adds a delightful texture. The golden melted cheese on top is the crowning glory, inviting everyone to dig in.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, making it a beloved classic in many households.
Preparing the Ingredients
To create a delicious baked lasagna, start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh lasagna noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a robust marinara sauce are essential for building the foundation of this dish.
Don’t forget the cheeses! A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds depth and richness, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Gathering fresh herbs, like basil, can also enhance the overall taste, providing a fresh contrast to the hearty layers.
Assembling the Lasagna
Assembling the lasagna is where the magic happens. Begin by layering the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful base.
Next, place the lasagna noodles, followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture. This layering process continues until all ingredients are used, culminating in a final layer of sauce and cheese.
Each layer should be evenly distributed to ensure a balanced flavor in every slice.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, the lasagna is ready for the oven. Covering the dish with aluminum foil helps to retain moisture, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
After the initial baking time, removing the foil allows the cheese to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown.
The aroma that fills the kitchen during this time is simply irresistible, making it hard to wait for the lasagna to cool before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving baked lasagna, presentation matters. A rustic ceramic baking dish adds charm, while a simple slice reveals the delicious layers within.
Pairing the lasagna with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine creates a delightful dining experience.
Garnishing with fresh basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, storing baked lasagna is easy. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly and placing it in the refrigerator.
When reheating, a gentle warm-up in the oven helps maintain the texture and flavor, ensuring that each serving tastes just as good as the first.
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Easy Baked Lasagna Recipe
This lasagna features layers of lasagna noodles, a savory meat sauce made with ground beef and tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. The dish takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the Ricotta: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g