Craving a comforting, delicious meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in? Look no further! This lasagna recipe takes inspiration from the queen of cooking herself, Martha Stewart, offering a classic take on this beloved Italian-American dish. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece – a perfect example of delicious dishes and easy recipes all in one!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe yields a generous 9x13 inch lasagna, perfect for feeding a crowd. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for smaller or larger portions.
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the cheese filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For assembling the lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Culinary Journey
Making the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Preparing the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Assembling 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.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Top with one-third of the remaining meat sauce.
- Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta cheese, remaining meat sauce.
- Top with the final layer of noodles and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Baking 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, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier slicing.
Cooking Tips for Lasagna Perfection
- Oven-ready noodles: Using oven-ready lasagna noodles saves you the step of pre-boiling. If you’re using regular noodles, be sure to cook them according to package directions before layering.
- Meat choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or a mix of beef and pork. Vegetarian variations are easy to achieve by omitting the meat altogether and using extra vegetables.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Fresh herbs: Using fresh herbs instead of dried will elevate the flavor profile.
Variations: Beyond the Classic
This recipe provides a wonderful base for culinary creativity. Try these variations:
- Vegetable Lasagna: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach.
- White Lasagna: Omit the meat sauce and use a creamy béchamel sauce instead. Add roasted vegetables for extra flavor and color.
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: Increase the amount of spinach in the ricotta mixture for a richer, greener lasagna.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: Approximately 25-30g Protein: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients combined with classic cooking techniques. Enjoy!