Scrumptious Homemade Lasagna

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Introduction:
There’s something truly special about homemade lasagna. Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat create a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe for scrumptious homemade lasagna will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces/170g) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
  • Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the noodles.
  • Spoon a layer of meat sauce over the cheese filling.
  • Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
  • Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining cheese filling, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

4. Bake the Lasagna:

  • Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

5. Let Rest and Serve:

  • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
  • Serve slices of scrumptious homemade lasagna with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

  • Cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use a good quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and delicious filling.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to set and make slicing easier.

Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
  • Calories: Approximately 400-450
  • Total Fat: Approximately 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 90-100mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 800-900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
  • Sugars: Approximately 5-6g
  • Protein: Approximately 25-30g

Recommendation:
This scrumptious homemade lasagna pairs well with a glass of red wine and is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish!

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