Classic Lasagna Recipe
Craving a comforting and classic dish that never fails to impress? Look no further than this mouthwatering Classic Lasagna recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan.
- Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.
A: While canned tomatoes are recommended for this recipe, you can use fresh tomatoes by adjusting the cooking time and consistency of the sauce.
A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready to serve.
Helpful tips:
- Use a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses for a flavorful cheese mixture.
- Add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a burst of flavor.
- Layer the lasagna with thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the meat sauce low and slow to develop deep flavors.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles before layering to prevent them from becoming mushy.