The Perfect Lasagna Recipe for Any Occasion
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of rich, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a meal everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a big group of friends, this lasagna recipe is designed to be versatile, scalable, and absolutely delicious.
Let’s dive into the perfect lasagna recipe that can fit any occasion!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For a larger or smaller group, scale the ingredients accordingly.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles (use oven-ready if short on time)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar to taste if needed.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Cook the Noodles (If Needed):
- If not using oven-ready noodles, cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese, then a layer of sauce.
- Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the final layer.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (lightly greased to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Scaling the Recipe
- For One: Halve the recipe and assemble the lasagna in a small baking dish or loaf pan. Freeze leftover portions for easy reheating.
- For a Family: Follow the recipe as is—perfect for 4-6 servings.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe and use two large baking dishes. You can assemble the lasagnas in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Wine: Pair with a robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Dessert: End the meal with classic tiramisu or cannoli.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna is a dish that brings people together, whether for a cozy dinner at home or a lively gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and customizable layers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Get ready to savor every bite—and maybe even enjoy a little friendly competition over who gets the last piece!