Lasagna
Biweekly

Lasagna

1 hr 15 min
Serves 9
pastaItalianbaked

Layers of browned meat, ricotta, and mozzarella between lasagna noodles, baked at 375°F until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

The Story

Lasagna is one of those dishes where the assembly matters as much as the ingredients. The trick here is dividing the mozzarella into thirds before you start — one third goes into the meat mixture, one third goes between the layers, and one third goes on top. That way you get cheese distributed all the way through instead of just a thick cap on top and dry layers underneath. The meat mixture is simple: browned ground beef or sausage, three-quarters of the jar of marinara, dried basil, and that first third of mozzarella. The noodles go into boiling water and then straight into cold water to stop the cooking so they don't turn to mush in the oven. A thin layer of marinara on the bottom of the pan keeps the first layer of noodles from sticking. Then you build: noodles, meat, ricotta, mozzarella, repeat. Finish with noodles, the remaining marinara, and the last of the mozzarella. Thirty-five minutes at 375°F and ten minutes of resting before you cut it.

Equipment

  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large pot (for noodles)
  • Oven @ 375°F

Ingredients

  • 1 lbmozzarella, grated (divided into thirds)
  • 2 lbsground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jarmarinara sauce (divided)
  • 1 tbspdried basil
  • 1 boxlasagna noodles
  • 1 pintricotta cheese

Pudgy's Notes

Dividing the mozzarella into thirds before you start is the key move — it ensures cheese is distributed through every layer, not just piled on top. Cold water stops the noodles from overcooking before they go in the oven. The thin layer of marinara on the bottom keeps the first noodle layer from sticking to the pan. Let it rest the full 10 minutes before cutting or the layers slide apart.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grate the mozzarella and divide into three equal portions. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Brown the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet. Drain the grease.

  3. 3

    Add one third of the mozzarella, three-quarters of the marinara, and the dried basil to the meat. Stir to combine. Divide the meat mixture into three even portions and set aside.

  4. 4

    Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and transfer to cold water to stop cooking.

  5. 5

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara on the bottom of the 9x13 casserole dish.

  6. 6

    Build the lasagna in layers: noodles, one portion of meat mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat for three layers total.

  7. 7

    Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining marinara, and the last third of mozzarella on top.

  8. 8

    Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

  9. 9

    Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Great with salad and garlic toast.

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