Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and any optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or red wine. Simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
In a large baking dish, start layering the lasagna. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of noodles, and then a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Finally, cover the top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or adjust the meat ratios to suit your preference.
If you’re short on time, consider using no-boil noodles for quicker preparation. Finally, if you have leftovers, lasagna reheats beautifully—just warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its moisture. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Final Thoughts
After enjoying a delicious lasagna, it’s important to contemplate how to round out the meal with complementary dishes. Aim to balance flavors by pairing rich lasagna with light salads, like an Italian chopped salad or caprese salad.
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