Authentic Italian Lasagna
A comforting, rich, and traditional lasagna that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table with layers of flavor.
Ingredients
Lasagna Ingredients
- 12 pieces Lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- 1 lb Ground beef or sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or meat alternatives
- 24 oz Tomato sauce Use good quality crushed tomato or homemade marinara
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Creamy and slightly tangy
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded For gooey goodness
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For added nutty flavor
- 4 tablespoons Butter For béchamel sauce
- 4 tablespoons Flour For béchamel sauce
- 2 cups Milk For béchamel sauce
- 1 cup Fresh basil, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until golden.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook until golden. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembling
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of noodles, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and béchamel. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and Parmesan on top.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, swap the meat with roasted veggies. Use fresh or dried herbs to enhance flavor. To make it lighter, consider low-fat cheese or a cauliflower-based 'ricotta'.