Certainly! Here’s a classic recipe for homemade lasagna:
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- Cook Meat:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the meat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Tomato Base:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
For the Ricotta Filling:
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layering:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of Bolognese sauce, and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of Bolognese sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This homemade lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to be a family favorite. Adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences, and enjoy this classic Italian comfort food!
