Lasagna

Happy New Year! The holidays may be over, but “Baby, it’s [still] cold outside!” So I’m thinking warm comfort food!

Homemade LasagnaThis hearty, meaty, cheesy lasagna is my new favorite!  I know there are about a bazillion lasagna variations from veggie to chocolate (which all have their place), but this is an old faithful.  It’s not anything revolutionary, but it stands the test of time because it’s basic, hearty, delicious, homemade food!Lasagna RecipeIt’s also fairly simple to assemble, and it works great if you prepare it a day or two ahead.  That makes it a wonderful dish for big events.  GO LASAGNA!
LasagnaTry it and see!

Easy Step-By-Step Instructions for Lasagna

Lasagna

Lightly coat bottom and side of 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray, and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Lasagna Recipe

In 6-quart pot, bring at least 4 quarts of water to a boil, and according to package directions, cook
16 lasagna noodles

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Drain, and lay out on wax paper to prevent sticking.  Place the pot back on the stove to make the meat sauce.

Lasagna Recipe

Tear up
2 slices good-quality bread

Lasagna Recipe

Pour over the pieces of bread
¼ cup milk
Use a fork to mash into a paste.

Homemad Lasagna

Combine this mixture with
1 ½ pounds ground beef (90% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Use your hands to mix completely.

Lasagna

In pasta pot, over medium heat, sauté
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
Cook for about 5 minutes.

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Add
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dry oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauté for one more minute.

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Add beef mixture, and increase heat to high. Stirring frequently, cook the meat until just brown (about 5 minutes).

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Add
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 5-10 minutes.

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In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine
1 cup large curd cottage cheese
2 cups (4 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Homemade Lasagna

Assemble lasagna as follows.  Line 3 or 4 noodles in bottom of prepared baking dish.

Lasagna

Top noodles with 2 cups meat mixture, and …

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… one fourth of béchamel sauce.
Just spoon it on top of the meat; it doesn’t need to be spread out.

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Then, sprinkle with one-fourth of the shredded mozzarella.

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Now repeat each of the layers 2 more times.
1)  noodles
2)  2 cups meat sauce
3)  one fourth of béchamel and one fourth of mozzarella
4)  repeat all layers, and end with noodles on top

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Spread with last fourth of the béchamel, and …

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… sprinkle with last of the mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Lasagna

Make a dome of foil by setting the baking dish on top of a large piece and molding it up the sides. Lightly coat with non-stick spray, … and

Homemade Lasagna Recipe

… tightly cover.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes, then …

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… remove foil, and bake 30 minutes more.

Homemade Lasagna

Cool for 30 minutes before serving.

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Garnish with fresh basil, cut into squares, and …

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…Enjoy!

Free Printable Recipe for Lasagna