There’s something magical about a homemade layered lasagna pasta dish. Picture this: warm, gooey cheese melting between layers of rich, savory meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in a warm embrace like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your palate, creating a symphony of deliciousness that is simply irresistible.
Now imagine this dish gracing the table during family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. I can still hear the laughter echoing around the table as my cousin tried to outdo my lasagna layering skills (spoiler alert: she failed miserably). It’s these moments that make food special—a comforting reminder that some of life’s best memories are made over plates piled high with love and deliciousness. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This homemade layered lasagna pasta dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner
- Its rich flavor profile combines savory meats and creamy cheeses that will delight your taste buds
- Visually stunning with its beautiful layers, it serves as a centerpiece for any meal
- Versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your needs
I remember the first time I served this lasagna to my friends; their eyes lit up with joy, and I knew I had created something special.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lasagna Noodles: Opt for oven-ready noodles to save time; they cook perfectly while baking.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for fewer fats without sacrificing flavor; it’s the heart of the sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese: Look for fresh ricotta; its creamy texture makes every layer indulgent and satisfying.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella for that melty goodness that stretches beautifully when served.
- Marinara Sauce: A store-bought or homemade option works great; just ensure it’s packed with flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty punch that elevates every bite.
- Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil at the end for a pop of color and aromatic freshness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors and adds richness to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
Sauté the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
Create the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. This cheesy blend brings all the layers together beautifully.
Layer It Up!: Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down noodles followed by half the ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and more sauce. Repeat until you reach the top.
Add Finishing Touches: Top your final layer with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for added flavor before baking.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving; patience is key here!
This homemade layered lasagna pasta dish not only makes your kitchen smell divine but also fills hearts (and stomachs) with warmth and joy. Grab those forks—it’s time to dig in!
You Must Know
- Mastering the homemade layered lasagna pasta dish is all about balance; layer generously without overstuffing
- The aromas of melting cheese and simmering sauce will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the sauce while boiling the lasagna noodles. Assemble layers as the sauce simmers for maximum flavor infusion and time efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed vegetables for an extra nutritional punch. Spice it up with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes!
Storing & Reheating
To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until bubbly; this keeps the layers intact and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a rich flavor, use homemade marinara instead of store-bought
- Layering different cheeses adds depth, so mix mozzarella with provolone for a gourmet touch
- Always let lasagna rest before slicing to maintain perfect layers!
Making this homemade layered lasagna pasta dish always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed over plates piled high with cheesy goodness.
FAQ
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in my homemade layered lasagna pasta dish?
Yes, no-boil noodles are convenient and work wonderfully with plenty of sauce.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Ensure your sauce is thick enough and allow layers to set before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers of my homemade layered lasagna pasta dish?
Absolutely! Freeze individual portions for quick meals on busy nights.
Homemade Layered Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8 people 1x
Description
Homemade layered lasagna is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. With gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this lasagna creates unforgettable moments during family gatherings and cozy dinners with friends. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe allows for ingredient swaps to suit dietary preferences. Indulge in every bite of this delightful layered masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Start layering: spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish, followed by noodles, half the ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and more sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese; add fresh basil before baking.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg