chef john lasagna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chef john lasagna recipe

I’ve been making Chef John’s lasagna recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originates from Italy, but the version I’m sharing with you today is an adaptation of the classic recipe.

It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven.

I love that this recipe is easy to customize to suit your tastes, whether you prefer ground beef or turkey, or add some extra veggies for added nutrition. One of the key techniques in this recipe is layering the ingredients in a specific order to ensure even cooking and texture.

This technique may seem obvious, but it makes all the difference in the world when it comes to achieving that perfect lasagna experience. My kids adore helping me assemble the layers, and it’s become a fun family tradition to make this dish together on weekends.

Chef John’s Classic Lasagna

4.8 from 1443 votes

A rich and hearty lasagna recipe that combines layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hours 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 large onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
4 cloves garlic
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

For the Cheese Filling

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4Preheat oven to 375°F.
5In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6Add ground beef and pork.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
8Drain excess fat.
9Add onion, carrots, and celery.
10Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
11Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
12Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
13Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Reduce heat to medium-low.
15Let the sauce thicken and reduce slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
16Remove from heat.
17In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
18Mix well until smooth.
Set aside.
19Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
20Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
21Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
22Repeat with two more layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
23Top with a final layer of noodles, and spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.
24Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
25Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
26Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
27Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with mushrooms or lentils. You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if you bake it from chilled.

This lasagna recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re planning a birthday party or just need a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

The best part? It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week without having to cook from scratch each time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chef John’s Lasagna

Q: What makes Chef John’s lasagna recipe so special?

It’s all about the layers – making sure they’re evenly cooked and stacked in just the right order.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Of course! In fact, using leaner meats like turkey can make this dish even healthier.

Q: How do I ensure my lasagna doesn’t become too dry?

Don’t overcook it! Make sure your noodles are al dente and your meat sauce is nice and moist.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna for later?

Sure thing! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What’s the secret to getting those beautiful brown cheese layers on top?

Cheese strings are your friend here – simply melt them into place for an authentic look and taste.

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