Why You’ll Love this American Kitchen Classic Lasagna Recipe
If you’ve ever craved comfort food that warms the soul, you’re going to love this classic lasagna recipe. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home.
The layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. What I adore most is how versatile it is; I can easily customize it with my favorite ingredients or even make it vegetarian.
Plus, it’s a dish that keeps well, making leftovers just as delicious. When I pull that bubbling, cheesy masterpiece from the oven, I can’t help but smile, knowing it’s bound to be a hit with everyone gathered around the table.
Ingredients of American Kitchen Classic Lasagna
When it comes to whipping up a classic lasagna that feels like a warm hug, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. This American Kitchen Classic Lasagna recipe is all about layering flavors and textures that meld together beautifully.
Picture those robust flavors from the Italian sausage and ground beef mingling with the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. It’s a delicious dance of ingredients that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Now, let’s explore what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
- Cooking spray
- 1 lb Italian pork sausage
- 1 lb ground round
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Hunts)
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (Hunts, with basil, garlic, and oregano)
- 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped and divided
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Romano cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 3 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
Now, before you gather these ingredients, let’s consider a few things. First off, if you’re a fan of extra green goodness, feel free to toss in some spinach or zucchini layers; they’ll add a nice touch and some nutrition too.
Also, if you’re watching your cheese intake, you can substitute part-skim or low-fat options for the mozzarella and ricotta. However, where’s the fun in that? And let’s be honest—when it comes to lasagna, a little indulgence goes a long way.
How to Make American Kitchen Classic Lasagna
Making the American Kitchen Classic Lasagna is like preparing a warm embrace for your taste buds. Start by gathering your ingredients, because trust me, you don’t want to be halfway through and realize you’re missing the all-important mozzarella.
First things first, grab those 9 uncooked lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package directions. While they’re bubbling away, you can multitask and get your sauce going. Spray a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in 1 lb of Italian pork sausage and 1 lb of ground round, breaking them up as you cook. This should take about 5 minutes. You want those delicious meat pieces to be nice and small, almost like they’re inviting themselves to a party in your sauce.
Once your meat is crumbled and looking good, add in 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. You’ll want to keep stirring for another 8 to 10 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Then, drain that meat mixture (because nobody wants a greasy lasagna) and return it to the pan.
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor: add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (make sure it’s the one with basil, garlic, and oregano because, why not?), 4 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring this bubbling beauty to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
While that sauce is working its magic, let’s whip up the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of part-skim ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of shredded Romano cheese, 2 beaten eggs, the remaining parsley, 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh basil, and the rest of the black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well-blended and creamy.
Now, grab your trusty 13×9-inch glass baking dish and spray it with cooking spray. Start with a layer of sauce at the bottom—about 1 cup should do. Layer down 3 lasagna noodles, followed by 2 cups of the meat sauce, half of that delightful ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this layering magic, ensuring you finish with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Romano cheeses. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil (don’t forget to spray the underside so it doesn’t stick!) and bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and let that cheese bubble and brown for another 15 minutes. Oh, and don’t forget to let it stand for 10 minutes before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Now you have a gorgeous, cheesy lasagna that looks just as amazing as it tastes. Enjoy your culinary triumph!
American Kitchen Classic Lasagna Substitutions & Variations
While the classic lasagna recipe is a beloved staple, there’s plenty of room for creativity with substitutions and variations.
For instance, if you’re looking to lighten things up, try using zucchini or eggplant slices instead of traditional noodles. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the sausage and beef for a leaner option.
You can also experiment with different cheeses; ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese, and you might love using goat cheese for a tangy twist.
If you want a vegetarian version, load up on spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste, perhaps adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Enjoy making it your own!
What to Serve with American Kitchen Classic Lasagna
After you’ve put your own spin on the classic lasagna, the next step is to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing lasagna with a fresh, crisp green salad. A simple mixture of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette really complements the richness of the dish.
You might also consider garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
For a more substantial side, roasted vegetables—like zucchini and bell peppers—add color and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of sautéed spinach with garlic is a great option, too.
Finally, don’t forget a glass of red wine to tie everything together; it enhances the flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To elevate your classic lasagna experience, consider a few additional tips that can make a big difference.
First, don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting it sit for about ten minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
If you want extra richness, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese atop the final layer before baking. I’ve found that using fresh herbs, like basil and parsley, enhances the flavor greatly.
Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; a blend of mozzarella and provolone can add depth.
Finally, remember that leftovers taste even better the next day, so make enough to enjoy the flavors again!