Have you ever tasted lasagna made with homemade noodles? It’s an experience that elevates this classic dish to new heights. This recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender homemade pasta that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Imagine serving a hot, bubbling dish of lasagna, with layers of perfectly cooked noodles, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese that stretches with every slice. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this homemade lasagna is sure to impress.
The Art of Homemade Lasagna
Creating lasagna from scratch is a delightful culinary experience that engages both the senses and the spirit.
With each layer, you prepare not just a meal, but a heartfelt dish that reflects time and effort.
The homemade noodles serve as the perfect canvas for rich meat sauce and creamy cheese, resulting in a meal that warms the heart.
Crafting the Perfect Noodles
The foundation of any great lasagna lies in its noodles.
By using fresh ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil, you can create a pasta that has a wonderful texture—soft yet durable enough to hold the layers of sauce and cheese.
Kneading the dough and allowing it to rest brings out the flavors and makes the noodles easier to work with.
Rolling them out thinly is key.
Whether using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
Cutting the sheets to fit your baking dish will help in assembling the lasagna seamlessly.
Rich Meat Sauce for Depth of Flavor
No lasagna is complete without a robust meat sauce.
Using ground beef or Italian sausage adds a hearty touch, while sautéing onions and garlic brings out their natural sweetness.
Simmering crushed tomatoes with dried herbs like oregano and basil results in a sauce that is not only savory but aromatic, enhancing every bite.
Allow the sauce to develop its flavors over time.
This step is crucial as it combines all the ingredients beautifully, ensuring that each layer of lasagna brings forth delightful taste.
The Creamy Cheese Mixture
The cheese mixture provides a creamy counterpoint to the rich meat sauce.
Combining ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan and a hint of egg creates a spread that adds depth and moisture, resulting in a luxurious texture.
Don’t forget the mozzarella! It melts beautifully and creates that wonderfully stretchy layer we all love.
Assembling the Layers
Assembling lasagna is where the magic truly happens.
In a baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by sheets of fresh noodles, then a generous helping of the cheese mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used up.
Finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top not only enhances flavor but creates a beautiful golden crust when baked.
Bringing It All Together
Baking the lasagna is the final step.
Covering the dish with foil prevents excessive browning while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Once baked, let it cool for a bit before slicing—this helps maintain those beautiful layers and makes serving easier.
Pairing your lasagna with a side salad and a glass of red wine adds to the rustic charm of the meal.
The vibrant colors and textures create a warm atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Delicious Homemade Lasagna with Freshly Made Noodles
This lasagna features layers of fresh, homemade noodles that are soft yet sturdy, making it easy to enjoy each cheesy, meaty bite. The combination of flavors creates a comforting dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Noodles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Make the Noodles: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add eggs and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Roll the Noodles: Divide the dough into quarters. Roll each piece out thinly using a pasta machine or a rolling pin. Cut into sheets that fit your baking dish.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g