Craving a comforting, flavourful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than this classic Italian Lasagna Al Forno recipe! This isn't your average lasagna; we're talking layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe, a true testament to the beauty of homemade cooking. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner. It's one of the best recipes for a comforting and flavourful experience.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 8 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta filling over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta filling, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
Top with the final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian lasagna, omit the meat and add more vegetables or lentils to the sauce.
Variations:
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: Add a cup of chopped spinach to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Replace the meat sauce with a vegetable sauce made with your favorite vegetables.
- White Lasagna: Omit the meat sauce and use a creamy béchamel sauce instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: 25-30g Protein: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Lasagna Al Forno! This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a fantastic balance of taste and convenience. It's a surefire way to bring warmth and happiness to your dinner table.