Classic Cheese Lasagna: A Rich and Comforting Italian Favorite

Cheese lasagna is a beloved classic, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and potlucks. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture create a comforting dish that everyone will love. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through making a traditional cheese lasagna from scratch, providing tips for perfect results and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cheeses and savory tomato sauce creates a rich and satisfying dish.
2. Comforting: Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family meals.
3. Make-Ahead: This lasagna can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making it convenient for busy schedules.
4. Customizable: Adjust the cheeses and seasonings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Season: Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. Mix Ricotta and Egg: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Add Parmesan and Parsley: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. First Layer: Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
4. Add Cheese Filling: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon a layer of tomato sauce over the ricotta and sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Cool: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Cheeses: Freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality mozzarella make a big difference.

2. Prevent Soggy Lasagna

• Drain Noodles: Make sure the noodles are well-drained and patted dry before assembling the lasagna.
• Simmer Sauce: Let the tomato sauce simmer until thickened to prevent excess moisture.

3. Let It Rest

• Set the Lasagna: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make slicing easier.

Customizing Your Cheese Lasagna

Variations:

• Vegetable Lasagna: Add layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Meat Sauce: Add ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to the tomato sauce for a meaty lasagna.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or asiago for unique flavors.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes.
• Low-Carb: Substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for the lasagna noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Drinks:

• Red Wine: A robust red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.
• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio is also a good match.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing.

Dessert:

• Tiramisu: End the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu.
• Gelato: A scoop of gelato is a refreshing way to finish the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions of lasagna in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat lasagna in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.

Conclusion

Cheese lasagna is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the warmth and flavor of Italian cuisine to your table. With layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this cheese lasagna will impress and satisfy. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!