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Homemade Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Heavenly Homemade Lasagna Casserole

Explore the captivating world of lasagna casserole, a classic comfort food that's perfect for every occasion. Learn how to make this dish with a step-by-step guide, and discover the secrets to optimize flavor, texture, and presentation.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for vegetarians)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Cooking the Sauce

  • While your noodles are boiling, you can start preparing your sauce. In a large pan, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage (if using) with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg, stirring until well mixed.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna Casserole

  • Now comes the fun part—layering your lasagna casserole! Start by spreading a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.

Step 5: Baking the Casserole

  • Finally, bake your lasagna casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

  1. This lasagna casserole can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables instead.
  2. If you're pressed for time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
  3. This recipe can be easily doubled or halved, making it perfect for both large gatherings and smaller meals.