Lasagna
Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This lasagna recipe combines savory meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and tender lasagna noodles into a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this lasagna will surely become a favorite. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Mixture:
2 cups cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Directions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Top with another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a delicious, cheesy crust.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Enjoy a hearty serving of this classic lasagna, and savor the layers of flavor and comfort in every bite!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific dietary needs or health concerns. I am not liable for any adverse reactions, allergies, or other issues that may arise from following this recipe. All recipes should be used at your own risk.