Are you ready to upgrade your Sunday dinner with a dish that promises to not just be a feast for your tastebuds but also a warm embrace for your soul, Brinx style! Look no further, because we've got you covered with our classic homemade lasagna recipe, perfect for both family dinners and impressing your foodie friends.
Lasagna, a beloved Italian staple, is the epitome of comfort food. It's layers upon layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all held together by sheets of tender pasta. Each bite is a harmonious melody of flavors and textures that's sure to make your heart sing. Here's how to bring this masterpiece to your table.
**Ingredients:**
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups of marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
**Cooking Instructions:**
1. **Prep the Pasta:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water per package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles out flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. **The Meat Sauce:** In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, mix well, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. **Cheese Mixture:** In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and half a cup of Parmesan cheese. This mixture will add a creamy and rich layer to your lasagna.
4. **Assembling the Lasagna:** In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, and then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella. Repeat these layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all components are used up, typically making about three layers.
5. **Bake to Perfection:** Top the final layer with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. **The Grand Finale:** Let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This patience is key! It allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Grab a plate and serve yourself a generous piece of this hearty, homemade delight. Each mouthful of this lasagna is a testament to the love and care put into its creation. Pair it with a simple green salad, some crusty bread, and perhaps a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.
At Jane's Foodie Commerce Site, we cherish the joy good food brings to life. This lasagna recipe is a celebration of family, friends, and delicious moments shared around the table in The Bronx as a kid. We hope this dish becomes a cherished addition to your recipe collection and that you'll return to it time and again for a comforting meal that feels like home.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe