Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This lasagna with fresh pasta recipe is your answer. Forget those dry, store-bought noodles; we're diving into the world of homemade pasta for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful lasagna that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying healthy meal!
Why Make Your Own Pasta?
You might be thinking, "Homemade pasta? That sounds complicated!" But trust me, it's easier than you think, and the results are well worth the effort. Fresh pasta offers a superior texture – tender, slightly chewy, and incredibly flavorful – that simply can't be matched by its dried counterpart. Plus, making pasta from scratch is a wonderfully therapeutic experience!
Ingredients:
For the Fresh Pasta:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Lasagna Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a vegetarian alternative)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Making the Fresh Pasta:
- Create the Dough: On a clean work surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Divide the dough into four pieces. Using a pasta machine (or a rolling pin), roll each piece out as thinly as possible. Cut the pasta into desired shapes – lasagna sheets are typically rectangular.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with fresh pasta sheets, overlapping if necessary. Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with 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.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Substitute spinach or kale for the parsley in the ricotta mixture.
- If you don't have a pasta machine, you can roll the dough out using a rolling pin. Just be sure to roll it out very thinly.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 25-30g Fat: Approximately 25-30g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
Enjoy your homemade lasagna! This easy recipe, filled with delicious flavors, is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us in your photos! Happy cooking!