Homemade Lasagna

Are you in search of the perfect comfort food that’s bound to impress your family and friends? Look no further than this sumptuous Homemade Lasagna recipe by Ashley Manila. Packed with layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. While it may require a bit of effort, the results are absolutely worth it! Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why It’s Great

This Homemade Lasagna recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

1. Flavorful Meat Sauce: The combination of pancetta, Italian sausage, and ground beef creates a rich and hearty meat sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
2. Cheesy Layers: With a decadent ricotta and fontina cheese mixture, along with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, every bite is a cheesy delight.
3. Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
4. Generous Servings: This recipe yields 10 servings, making it ideal for feeding a large group or having leftovers for future meals.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you embark on making this delicious lasagna, here’s a list of essential kitchen equipment you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or pot
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch glass baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Grater for cheese

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftovers, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Simply transfer any remaining lasagna to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: To make this lasagna vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the pancetta and ground beef, and double the amount of Italian sausage or add your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for an extra burst of flavor.

Food Pairings

Serve this delectable Homemade Lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. For beverages, pair it with a robust red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna? A: Absolutely! Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preference. Try substituting mozzarella with provolone or adding a layer of creamy goat cheese for extra indulgence.

Q: Can I assemble the lasagna in advance and bake it later? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions when ready.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ashley Manila’s Homemade Lasagna recipe is a true testament to classic Italian comfort food at its finest. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal for your family, this lasagna is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration!

Homemade Lasagna

Indulge in the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe, packed with cheese, meat, sauce, and incredible flavor! While this recipe does require some effort, it can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. It's a hearty dish that's ideal for feeding large groups!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

REST TIME 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course DINNER, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 ounces pancetta diced into small bits
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 cloves garlic crushed and chopped
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 5 ounces fontina cheese grated
• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Lasagna:
• 15 lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated

Instructions

 

For the Meat Sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add pancetta and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in onions and cook until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add beef stock and crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 40 minutes.
• Stir in sugar, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

For the Ricotta Layer:

• In a large bowl, combine ricotta, fontina, egg, egg yolk, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
• For the Lasagna:
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Place a long sheet of parchment paper on the countertop and lightly brush with olive oil.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 4 minutes, then drain and place them side by side on the prepared parchment paper.
• Shred mozzarella cheese and set aside. Grate Parmesan cheese and set aside.
• Assembly: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer 5 noodles on top of the sauce.
• Spread 3/4 cup of the ricotta filling over the noodles, followed by 1 and 1/2 cups of meat sauce and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times.
• On the top layer, spread the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: To make this lasagna vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the pancetta and ground beef, and double the amount of Italian sausage or add your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for an extra burst of flavor.