Homemade Lasagna
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
584 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Homemade Lasagna
Description
This Homemade Lasagna recipe builds layers of flavor starting from al dente lasagna noodles boiled and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A meat sauce is prepared by browning Italian sausage and ground beef, then combined with marinara sauce. The ricotta filling includes ricotta cheese blended with beaten eggs, heavy cream, lemon juice, mozzarella, and Parmesan for creaminess and mild acidity.
Layers begin with sauce spread in a deep baking dish, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, more sauce, and a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The assembled lasagna is baked at 375°F until heated through and cheeses melt, creating a bubbly golden crust.
This dish serves as a substantial main course suitable for family meals or occasions. The interplay of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and pasta offers varied textures and balanced richness. It pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or garlic bread.
Using homemade marinara sauce, which contains onion, garlic, and herbs, enhances flavor depth, but a high-quality store-bought sauce such as Rao's is also recommended. Pre-cooking noodles ensures tender pasta layers and easier assembly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lasagna noodles 15-16 noodles, dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling on noodles
- 1- pound Italian sausage
- 1- pound ground beef
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
- 4 cups marinara sauce easy
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 egg lightly beaten, large
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan Cheese divided, freshly grated
- basil for garnish, or Italian parsley, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season with kosher salt. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Separate any noodles that are stuck together. Drizzle the noodles with a little olive oil.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and ground beef, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce to the cooked sausage and meat and stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and eggs. Add the heavy cream and lemon juice and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish that is at least 2 1/2-inches deep. Top with a layer of noodles, try not to overlap them.
- Top with 2 cups of sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with another layer of noodles and spread ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add another layer of noodles, 2 cups of sauce, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with another layer of noodles and finish with remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The pan will be very full.
- Tent the lasagna with foil and secure tightly all around the edges. Place lasagna pan on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. Carefully remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Prepare the marinara sauce at home with onion, garlic, and herbs for fuller flavor.
- If using store-bought sauce, Rao's marinara is a recommended option for quality taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 584 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 584kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 1097mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 598mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 890IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 340mg | 34% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.