basic cheese lasagna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic cheese lasagna recipe

I’ve been making this basic cheese lasagna recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and I love how easy it is to make.

The best part is that it’s a great way to get in some veggies – you can add spinach or zucchini to the ricotta mixture for an extra nutritional boost. I like to think of lasagna as a comfort food, but this recipe is actually pretty healthy too.

The cheese and pasta are balanced out by the fresh herbs and veggies, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can make it with ground beef or sausage for added protein, or keep it vegetarian for a meat-free option.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and gatherings, and everyone always raves about it. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the cheese or pasta, or you’ll end up with a bland dish.

But trust me, this one’s worth the investment.

Basic Cheese Lasagna

4.9 from 1369 votes

A comforting classic dish with layers of pasta, cheese, and a simple tomato sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup water

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp chopped parsley

For Assembly

9 lasagna noodles

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Add water and mix until a dough forms.
4Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
5Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6While the dough is resting, prepare the sauce.
7In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
8Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9Remove from heat and set aside.
10In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley until well combined.
11Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12Roll out the lasagna dough on a floured surface until thin.
13Cut into rectangles to fit your baking dish.
14Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
15Drain and set aside.
16Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
17Arrange a layer of cooked noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and then a layer of sauce.
18Repeat with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
19Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
20Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
21Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
22Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a more flavorful sauce, use fresh garlic and herbs.

Watch Video Of How Basic Cheese Lasagna Works

This basic cheese lasagna recipe is a staple in my household – we love serving it at family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to reheat – just pop it in the oven or microwave and serve hot.

We like to serve our lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Cheese Lasagna

1. What type of cheese should I use in this lasagna recipe?

For this basic cheese lasagna recipe, I recommend using a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese. You can also add other types of cheese like provolone or gorgonzola if you like a stronger flavor.

2. Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cheese in this recipe if you prefer. However, keep in mind that low-fat cheese may not melt as well as full-fat cheese.

3. How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy?

To prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy, make sure to cook the noodles al dente and let them cool before assembling the dish.

4. Can I make this lasagna recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this lasagna recipe ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover lasagna?

To store leftover lasagna, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it.

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