Ah, lasagna! Just saying the word brings back a flood of memories from my childhood. It was always a family favorite, especially during those Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. You know, the kind of dinners where the whole family gathered, and the kitchen was filled with laughter, stories, and the delightful aroma of food. Grandma had this magical way of bringing everyone together, and her secret lasagna recipe was, without a doubt, the star of the show.
What I love most about this recipe is that it embodies love and tradition. Each layer tells a story—a hearty layer of meat, a creamy ricotta blend, and that gooey mozzarella melting in the oven—it’s pure comfort on a plate! Plus, it’s fantastic for meal prep. Whether you’re entertaining guests, looking for leftovers for the week, or just wanting to relive some nostalgic moments, this lasagna is here to make everything better.
What’s in Grandma’s Secret Lasagna Recipe?
Let me break down the ingredients for you, so you know exactly what’s going into this delicious creation:
Lasagna noodles: These are the backbone of the dish! I usually go for the traditional kind, but you can find no-boil noodles that save some time if you’re in a hurry.
Ground beef: A classic choice for lasagna, the beef brings a savory richness to the dish. I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it from being too greasy.
Italian sausage: This adds a spicy kick and tons of flavor! Try using sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your taste preference.
Onion: Diced finely, onions add sweetness and depth to the meat sauce—plus, they make everything smell divine while cooking.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It brings a fragrant aroma and enhances the flavor of the dish.
Marinara sauce: The store-bought variety is just fine for this recipe. Just make sure you pick a good quality one for a rich taste.
Ricotta cheese: This adds creaminess and richness to the lasagna, making every bite deliciously indulgent.
Egg: The humble egg helps bind the ricotta mixture, giving it a lovely texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The cheese that pulls everything together! I always use whole milk mozzarella for that perfect meltiness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this on top creates a beautifully cheesy crust!
Fresh herbs (basil and parsley): Fresh herbs elevate the flavors and add freshness to the lasagna. Dried herbs work in a pinch, too!
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t skip these!
Olive oil: A drizzle to cook those onions and garlic to perfection.
Is Grandma’s Secret Lasagna Good for You?
You might be wondering if this indulgent dish has any health benefits! Here’s the scoop:
Ground beef: Packed with protein and iron, this is great for muscle building and overall health. Just be mindful of the fat content, and opting for lean beef can help.
Italian sausage: Adds flavor but can be higher in calories and fat. A little bit goes a long way, though!
Ricotta cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, making it a relatively healthy addition. Opt for part-skim ricotta to reduce calories.
Fresh herbs: Not only do they add flavor, but they also provide vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, who doesn’t want that burst of freshness?
Just remember, everything in moderation is key. This lasagna can definitely fit into a balanced diet, especially if you pair it with a side salad or some sautéed veggies.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 8 hungry folks, so gather your friends and family around!
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 24 oz marinara sauce
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
How to Make Grandma’s Secret Lasagna?
Alright, let’s dive into the cooking process! Grab your apron, and let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect cheesy crust on top!
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. You want them firm, not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Oh, the smell is heavenly!
4. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook it all up until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with your trusty spoon (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully. Smell that? It’s magic.
6. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s a lovely consistency.
7. Now, it’s time to assemble your lasagna. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Yum!
9. Repeat the layering process: 3 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella. Just keep layering—it’s almost done!
10. Top with the last three noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (spray it with cooking spray to avoid sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Trust me; it’s worth every minute!
13. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set a bit and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions for Perfection
– For added flavor, feel free to toss in some dried oregano or red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
– Serve this delectable lasagna alongside a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a comforting and complete meal.
– You can prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it or even freeze it until you’re ready for a comforting treat. If frozen, just allow for extra baking time.
I really hope you give this lasagna a try! It’s perfect for gatherings, and I guarantee it will be a hit. Plus, every bite will remind you of those cozy family dinners. Once you try Grandma’s secret, don’t forget to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how your lasagna turned out! Happy cooking!
