Lasagna is a true classic—a layered masterpiece of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat that brings comfort to the table like few other dishes. Beloved worldwide, this Italian favorite has evolved over generations, adapting to the flavors and preferences of countless cooks and families.
From its humble origins in Italy, where each region has its own spin, lasagna has become a universal comfort food, gracing dinner tables from Italy to America and beyond. The layers of lasagna are rich and hearty, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
My Version of Lasagna
This lasagna recipe is my take and a crowd-pleaser, loaded with bold flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable. Each layer is crafted with care, beginning with a well-seasoned meat sauce filled with aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs, then a creamy, savory ricotta mixture, and finally, gooey, melted mozzarella to bring it all together. My original recipe Holiday Lasagna for A Party was featured in our popular Thanksgiving Feast video on YouTube, however, today we are making a simpler version.
Perfect for a Party or Get Togethers
Smaller, yet, still perfect for feeding a crowd, this lasagna can be a star at your next gathering, or prepared in advance and frozen in portions for easy, comforting meals on busy nights. It’s ideal for holidays and celebrations, providing a sense of warmth and indulgence that leaves everyone satisfied. With oven-ready pasta and a few simple steps, it’s accessible even for busy cooks. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and experience the joy of a homemade lasagna that’s sure to become a tradition.
Ingredients and Flavor Notes
Each ingredient in this lasagna recipe contributes to its delicious, layered flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a base layer of richness and helps brown the meat.
- Ground Meat: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer taste, or substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Aromatics (Carrot, Celery, Onion): These create the classic flavor foundation for the sauce, adding sweetness, depth, and a subtle earthiness.
- Mushrooms (optional): Add an umami boost to the meat sauce if you love that extra depth. This is an optional ingredient.
- Green Seasoning: This blend of herbs infuse the sauce with fresh, vibrant flavors. While this is not a traditional ingredient, folks, like me from the Caribbean believe in its powers to enhance flavors naturally.
- Garlic and Oregano: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and herbaceous notes to the sauce.
- Pasta Sauce & Crushed Tomatoes: Combining jarred pasta sauce with crushed tomatoes balances convenience and flavor. Choose a high-quality sauce with no chemicals and preservatives for the best results.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout, bringing out all the flavors.
- Basil and Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs add a burst of brightness to the finished dish.
For the layers:
- Oven-Ready Lasagna Sheets: These save time without sacrificing texture. If not available, use regular pasta and cook beforehand. To make this gluten free, use your favorite gluten free pasta. Nowadays, there are many options!
- Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Granulated Garlic & Parsley: Create a creamy, flavorful layer that complements the meat sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that gooey, stretchy texture that makes lasagna so satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan: A final layer of nutty, salty goodness to top it all off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 10 minutes).
- Add the diced carrot, celery, onion, optional mushrooms, green seasoning, garlic, and oregano. Stir in the jar of pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes, then add the brown sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, adding a bit of water if it gets too thick. This sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, granulated garlic, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 1-2 cups of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 sheets of lasagna on top of the sauce.
- Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the pasta, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process 2-3 more times, starting with the pasta sheets and ending with a layer of mozarella.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan and parsley for garnish.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and place it on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the lasagna hot, family-style. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, portion them into individual containers for easy reheating. Lasagna freezes well and can be stored for up to three months.
Where to Buy Fresh Ingredients
For those in the tri-state area, look for high-quality, fresh ground meat at local butchers, farmers’ markets, or specialty stores. For fresh herbs and other ingredients, check out Italian markets or grocers in Brooklyn or Queens, including Eataly, Faicco’s Italian Specialties, and Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Bronx.
You will also love these recipes:
Pasta with Meat Sauce – another family favorite!
Chicken Lo Mein / Shrimp & Vegan Options too
Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta (Use one or both)
Trini Style Lo Mein Recipe
Ultimate Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs ground meat beef, pork, or lamb, chicken, turkey
- 1 carrot diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1/2 pint mushrooms chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp green seasoning
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 oz
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves optional
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional
- 1 box oven-ready lasagna pasta
- 24 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 lbs mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Brown the ground meat, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add carrot, celery, onion, mushrooms (if using), green seasoning, garlic, oregano, pasta sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Season with brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, adding water if needed.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, granulated garlic, and parsley until well combined.
- Spread 1-2 cups of sauce in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place 3 lasagna sheets on top of the sauce.
- Layer with 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and finish with 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat the layering process 2-3 more times, starting with lasagna sheets and ending with mozzarella as the top layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy this flavorful, hearty lasagna with family and friends! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment, rate it, and share your experience. Don’t forget to follow for more delicious recipes!
