Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings warmth to any table. This layered dish, filled with savory ground meat, creamy cheeses, and melty goodness, has a special place in many hearts and kitchens. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors, making it a go-to meal for family dinners and gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress.
Gather Your Lasagna Ingredients
To whip up a delicious lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground sirloin
- 24 oz (680 g) meat-flavored spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 8 oz (227 g) sour cream
- 8 oz (227 g) small curd cottage cheese
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Lasagna
Creating this comforting dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Ground Sirloin: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground sirloin. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the meat-flavored spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer on low heat until you’re ready to layer.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Add in 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions (usually around 10 minutes). Once cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a tray to cool.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, add 1/3 of the meat sauce, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with noodles on top.
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Finish the Top Layer: Top the last layer of noodles with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Bake the Lasagna: Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown. To add a crispy top, broil on low for an additional 5-8 minutes.
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Let It Rest: Once done, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve It Hot: Enjoy your delightful homemade lasagna!
How to Serve Lasagna
Lasagna is perfect for sharing and makes a lovely centerpiece for any gathering. When ready to serve, cut it into squares and place each piece on a plate. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can elevate its look even more. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to complete the meal. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite beverage to wash it down!
Helpful Tricks for Lasagna
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Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare your lasagna a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready for a home-cooked meal!
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Freezing for Later: Lasagna freezes wonderfully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
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Customize Your Recipe: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to your cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also swap out the meats or cheeses based on your preferences.
Lasagna FAQs
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work well! Just be sure to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook properly.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Place leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses such as ricotta, gouda, or even feta for a unique twist.
Give this easy and delicious lasagna recipe a try! With its rich flavors and comforting layers, it’s bound to become a beloved dish in your home. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground sirloin. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat and stir in the meat-flavored spaghetti sauce. Let simmer on low heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Add in 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and lay them flat on a tray.
- Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add 1/3 of the meat sauce, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat this layering process twice more, finishing with noodles on top.
- Top the last layer of noodles with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. For a crispy top, broil on low for an additional 5-8 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 30 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld.
- Cut into squares and serve on plates. Garnish with fresh herbs and pair with a salad and garlic bread.