Lasagna with minced meat

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce, and stir everything together. If you find the sauce too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg. Stir until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix in the chopped parsley for a touch of fresh flavor. This will be the creamy filling for your lasagna.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then, place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Next, spread about 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the lasagna is heated through.

6. Let it Rest:

Once the lasagna is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the lasagna into squares and serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or just enjoy it on its own. The rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and soft noodles make each bite a delicious treat.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Make-Ahead Option: Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day! You can prepare the entire dish in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re a fan of more cheese, feel free to add additional layers of mozzarella or even some provolone for a smokier flavor. Fresh mozzarella can also be used for a slightly different texture.
• Vegetable Lasagna: Want to make it a bit healthier or add more flavor? Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles at your grocery store. They work just as well as regular noodles and make this dish accessible to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe

1. Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of a rich minced meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles makes for a truly comforting meal.
2. Simple and Quick: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this lasagna is perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: Lasagna is an ideal make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick, satisfying dinner.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family, feeding guests, or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna is always a hit.

Final Thoughts

Homemade lasagna may seem like a daunting task, but with this Easy and Delicious Homemade Lasagna with Minced Meat, you’ll discover how simple it is to create this classic comfort food from scratch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions, and guarantees plenty of leftovers (if you’re lucky). The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in a homemade lasagna that’s as easy as it is delicious!