EASY Classic Homemade Lasagna

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce (Ragu)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. (Optional): Pour in the red wine and let it bubble and reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

2. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).⁷ Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.

3. Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. (If using traditional noodles, make sure they are fully cooked al dente).

4. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.

5. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer.

6. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the cheese.

7. Repeat the layers: Noodles $\rightarrow$ Remaining Ricotta $\rightarrow$ 1/3 Mozzarella $\rightarrow$ Remaining Meat Sauce.

8. Finish the layering: Place the final layer of noodles on top, and spread the final 1/3 of the mozzarella over the noodles.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

2. Bake for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the foil, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top, and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.

4. Crucial Step: Rest! Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut and serve neat, beautiful slices.