Description
Creating the perfect lasagna is an art, and with the right technique, it becomes a culinary masterpiece. This Creamette Lasagna recipe brings together perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and a flavorful meat mixture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lasagna:
- 12 Creamette lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook Creamette lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage (if using), breaking it up as it cooks. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes to combine flavors.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all noodles and ingredients are used.
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Top with Cheese:
- Finish the final layer with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Rest Before Serving:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
10 Must-Know Secrets for Perfection
- Use High-Quality Lasagna Noodles: Creamette noodles are a go-to for perfect texture and easy layering. Pre-cooked noodles help you save time without sacrificing quality.
- Do Not Overcook the Noodles: For the best texture, cook noodles al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Simmer the Meat Sauce Long Enough: A long simmer allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce.
- Season the Sauce Generously: Don’t skip on seasoning. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano really elevate the sauce.
- Balance Cheese Layers: Use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to create a balanced flavor profile.
- Let the Lasagna Rest: After baking, give your lasagna time to set. It will slice cleaner and taste even better.
- Avoid Overloading with Sauce: While sauce is essential, too much can make your lasagna soggy.
- Layer Properly: Start with a thin layer of sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta, sauce, and cheese, repeating for perfect layering.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor, making your lasagna more aromatic.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a full meal experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Italian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamette Lasagna, Classic Lasagna, Lasagna Recipe, Homemade Lasagna, Italian Comfort Food