Sizzling Joy Of Cooking Lasagna Recipe: Foolproof Family Favorite!

When classic lasagna graces your table, it sparks an instant celebration of flavors and comfort.

This Italian-inspired culinary marvel transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that stops conversations and captivates hungry diners.

Layers of tender pasta, succulent meat sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Families gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma wafting from the kitchen.

Each forkful carries generations of cooking wisdom and love, telling a delicious story of tradition.

Hearty and soul-satisfying, this dish transcends mere nutrition to become a genuine emotional experience.

Check out this recipe and unlock the secret to creating a meal that will become an instant family legend.

Best Way to Freeze or Reheat Lasagna

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare this lasagna ahead of time for busy weeknights. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Wrap the unbaked lasagna in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover lasagna to airtight containers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Portion and Preserve: Cut cooled lasagna into individual servings. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for easy grab-and-go meals that stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 567 kcal

Servings: 8

Lasagna Ingredients from Joy of Cooking

• Lasagna Noodles: Choose fresh or high-quality dried noodles with good texture and even thickness.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Select lean cuts with rich flavor and minimal fat for a robust meat sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Pick firm, fragrant onions and fresh garlic cloves without sprouting for maximum taste.

• Tomato Paste: Opt for deep red, concentrated paste without added preservatives.
• Italian Seasoning: Select a blend with balanced herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt for enhanced flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Choose full-fat, fresh cheeses with creamy texture and authentic taste.
• Parsley: Select bright green, crisp leaves with strong aroma.
• Egg: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs from free-range chickens.

Tools and Pans to Assemble Lasagna

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling lasagna noodles to tender perfection.
• Colander: Helps drain and rinse noodles quickly and easily.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning meats and creating rich sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending creamy cheese filling.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Provides the perfect space for layering lasagna.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to trap moisture.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, fluffy cheese topping.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for clean, precise slicing after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Layering and Baking Lasagna the Joy Way

• Prep Kitchen Essentials Gather your cooking tools and warm up the oven to create a delicious lasagna masterpiece. Start by boiling lasagna noodles in salted water until they're perfectly tender, then carefully drain and set aside.
• Craft Savory Meat Base Sizzle ground beef and Italian sausage in a hot skillet, tossing in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown mixture, making sure to drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor profile.
• Build Robust Sauce Layer Introduce tomato paste and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing deep, complex flavors that will make your lasagna irresistible.
• Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend Combine creamy ricotta with melty mozzarella and sharp parmesan. Fold in fresh parsley and a beaten egg to create a luxurious cheese mixture that will bind the layers together with incredible taste.
• Assemble Mouth-Watering Layers Start building your lasagna like a culinary architect. Spread a generous layer of meat sauce in the baking dish, then carefully place noodles and alternate with cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, ensuring each bite will be packed with incredible flavor.
• Bake to Perfection Cover the dish with foil and let the oven work its magic for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Finish with Cheesy Crown Remove the foil and sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top. Return to the oven for a final 15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. For those who love a crispy top, a quick broil will create a stunning finish.
• Serve and Savor Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes, letting the layers settle and making it easier to slice. This moment of patience will reward you with picture-perfect servings that are both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Tips for Sauce, Cheese, and Pasta Balance

Explore exciting twists and smart cooking strategies to elevate this classic dish.

Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that keep the rich flavor profile intact.

Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms directly into the cheese mixture for enhanced texture and wellness benefits.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese to create unique flavor layers that surprise your taste buds.

Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. This technique helps develop deeper flavors and saves precious cooking time.

Plating Lasagna That Looks Amazing

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Complement the rich lasagna with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty meal.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful crunch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust flavors of the meat and cheese.

Hearty Joy of Cooking Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty lasagna from Southern Italy combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses in a comforting classic. Generous portions and robust flavors make this dish a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and weekend meals.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lb (226.8 g) lean ground beef
• 0.5 lb (226.8 g) Italian sausage
• 36 oz (1.02 kg) pasta sauce
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
• 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until tender, then rinse with cold water to prevent adhesion.
2. Meat Sauce Creation: Brown ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat thoroughly. Blend in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer sauce to intensify flavors and achieve desired consistency.
3. Cheese Mixture Assembly: Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, parsley, egg, and salt in a bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Layering Technique: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Strategically arrange noodles, alternating with ricotta mixture and meat sauce. Repeat layering process to build depth and complexity of flavors.
5. Final Topping: Cover the lasagna with remaining noodles and meat sauce, ensuring complete surface coverage.
6. Baking Process: Seal dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and continue baking for 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
7. Resting and Serving: Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes to stabilize structure and enhance flavor integration. Slice and serve with garnish of choice.

Notes

• Prevent Noodle Sticking: Rinse cooked pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Fat Drainage Matters: Thoroughly drain excess fat from meat to ensure a lighter, less greasy lasagna texture and prevent pooling oil.
• Cheese Mixture Tip: Blend cheese ingredients until smooth for even distribution and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Resting is Crucial: Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set, making cutting and serving much cleaner and more stable.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 567
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1062 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 118 mg