Video Tutorial on Making a Delicious Lasagna” outlines a step-by-step guide to crafting a classic lasagna that is perfect for family gatherings or special events. The recipe, sourced from a video by Preppy Kitchen’s John Canel, features a creamy ricotta cheese filling, a robust meaty tomato sauce, and a topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Detailed instructions lead you through every aspect of the preparation, from preheating the oven to assembling the final dish. With an emphasis on customization and convenience, this tutorial ensures your lasagna will be both flavorful and versatile, offering tips on freezing for later and variations to suit different tastes.

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Video by Preppy Kitchen

This classic Lasagna recipe is perfect for a crowd! It features a creamy ricotta cheese filling and a meaty tomato sauce between sheets of lasagna noodles, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan before baking until golden and bubbly. This lasagna also freezes well, making it a convenient option for a later meal. ORDER MY BOOK!

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Prepping the Kitchen

Preheat Oven to 375°F

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your oven will be at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake the lasagna, leading to even cooking and a delicious golden top.

Warm a Dutch Oven on Medium-High Heat

Next, place a large Dutch oven on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up sufficiently so that it’s ready to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, kick-starting the rich, flavorful meat sauce.

Ingredients Required

¾ Pound Italian Sausage (Casing Removed)

Remove the casing from ¾ pound of Italian sausage. This will contribute a rich, flavorful base to the meat sauce, infusing it with savory spices.

¾ Pound Ground Beef

Add ¾ pound of ground beef to complement the sausage. The combination of these two meats results in a robust and hearty sauce.

1 Onion, Diced

Dice one medium onion finely. Onions add a foundational layer of flavor to the sauce and their natural sweetness when cooked enhances the sauce’s complexity.

2-7 Cloves Garlic (Minced, Minimum of 3)

Mince between 2-7 cloves of garlic, using at least three. Garlic adds a pungent depth to the sauce, integrating beautifully with the tomatoes and meat.

6 oz Tomato Paste

Tomato paste comes concentrated, providing an intense tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.

28 oz Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes form the bulk of the sauce, bringing a balanced tang and smooth texture.

15 oz Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce adds extra liquidity to balance the paste and crushed tomatoes, preventing the sauce from being overly thick.

Italian Seasoning

Use a blend of Italian seasoning to add aromatic undertones. Common herbs include oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Dried Basil

Dried basil enhances the herbal notes in the sauce, contributing a sweet, slightly minty flavor.

Salt

Salt is essential for seasoning, helping to bring out all the other flavors in the sauce.

Sugar

Add a small amount of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a harmonious taste.

Lasagna Noodles

Use lasagna noodles as the structured layers in the dish, adding a tender bite that complements the meaty, cheesy fillings.

15 oz Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese will be part of the creamy filling, adding a mellow and smooth layer.

1 Large Egg

The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta filling, helping it set properly during baking.

1 Tbsp Freshly Chopped Parsley

Fresh parsley brings a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the ricotta mixture.

Fresh Mozzarella Slices

Slices of fresh mozzarella will melt into a gooey, delicious topping, enhancing the lasagna’s creamy texture.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, salty finish on top of the lasagna, browning beautifully in the oven.

Meat Preparation

Remove Casing from ¾ Pound of Italian Sausage

Ensure you remove the casing from the Italian sausage. This allows you to break the sausage into small, evenly cooked pieces without any tough bites.

Add Sausage and ¾ Pound of Ground Beef to the Dutch Oven

Combine the Italian sausage and ground beef in the warmed Dutch oven. This combination will ensure a rich, meaty base for your lasagna.

Brown Meat for 6-8 Minutes, Breaking It Up with a Wooden Spoon

Allow the meat to brown for 6-8 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the meat is evenly cooked.

Prep Work

Dice 1 Onion

Finely dice one onion. This not only distributes the onion’s flavor evenly but also ensures it cooks quickly, melding seamlessly into the sauce.

Mince 2-7 Cloves of Garlic (Minimum of 3)

Mince the garlic cloves finely. The amount can vary based on your preference, but a minimum of three cloves is recommended to ensure a pronounced garlic flavor.

Cooking Process

Cook Onion and Garlic Until Softened

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat. Cook them until they are softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step helps to build a robust, aromatic base for the sauce.

Add 6 oz of Tomato Paste to the Meat Mixture

Stir in the 6 oz of tomato paste. Cooking the paste briefly with the meat and vegetables will enhance its flavor and help integrate it into the sauce.

Add 28 oz of Crushed Tomatoes, 15 oz of Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil, Salt, and Sugar

Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and a bit of sugar. This mixture will develop into a rich, thick sauce as it simmers.

Simmer the Meat Sauce for 25 Minutes

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Pasta Preparation

Boil Lasagna Noodles Until Al Dente

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Al dente noodles will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing some of the flavors from the sauce.

Rinse Noodles with Cold Water

Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent them from sticking together. This step ensures your noodles are manageable when assembling the lasagna.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

Mix 15 oz Ricotta Cheese, 1 Large Egg, 1 Tbsp Freshly Chopped Parsley, Salt, and Pepper

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated. This forms a creamy, flavorful cheese layer that will be layered between the meat sauce and noodles.

Assembly Process

Layer Meat Sauce, Pasta, and Cheese Mixture in a 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish

Begin assembly in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles, and then a spread of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat these layers, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.

Top with Fresh Mozzarella Slices and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Finish by topping with slices of fresh mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will melt and create a savory, golden crust on top of the lasagna.

Cover with Foil and Bake for 30 Minutes

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step ensures that the lasagna heats evenly and the cheeses melt without burning.

Uncover and Bake for an Additional 15 Minutes

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to become golden and bubbly. This final baking time develops the lasagna’s signature crust.

Optional: Broil for Extra Color

If you desire an extra golden and slightly crispy top, broil the lasagna for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Final Steps

Let Lasagna Rest for 15 Minutes Before Slicing

Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Recipe Can Be Made Ahead and Frozen

This lasagna can be made ahead and frozen for future meals. To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.

Conclusion

Recap of the Steps to Make a Delicious Lasagna

This recipe takes you through each detailed step required to make a delicious lasagna, from prepping the kitchen and ingredients to assembling and baking the lasagna. Each component is carefully crafted to deliver a comforting, flavorful dish.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe and Share with Friends and Family

We highly encourage you to try this lasagna recipe. The layers of creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese are sure to impress. Share it with friends and family for a special meal, or make a batch to freeze for convenient, delicious dinners in the future. Enjoy your culinary creation!