Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work, and let me tell you, this tried-and-true recipe is the ultimate comfort food to come home to. Rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, tender noodles, and a blanket of gooey, golden mozzarella come together in layers that make every bite feel like a reward. Whether you’re craving something hearty after a busy day or hoping to impress friends at a weekend dinner, this lasagna will leave everyone reaching for seconds and raving about the flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work lies in its straightforward ingredients—simple staples come together to create something truly special. Each one brings a unique note to the symphony, delivering depth, texture, and that signature Italian spirit.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): Brings spiced richness and extra savory depth.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Provides aromatic sweetness and foundational flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Create a rich, vibrant sauce base.
- Tomato paste (2 cans, 6 ounces each): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Lends fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the overall flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb for warmth and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the existing flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and balance.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Helps round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Lasagna noodles (12): Structure the dish and give that iconic layered effect.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and slightly sweet, it adds a luscious layer.
- Egg (1): Binds the ricotta so it nests neatly between noodles.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Punches up the umami and provides a savory undertone.
- Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded): Melty, stretchy, and totally irresistible.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and infusing a hint of Mediterranean goodness.
How to Make Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it turns soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it bloom for 30 seconds. This aromatic base lays the foundation for the savory sauce that makes Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work so unforgettable.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to your skillet, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Stir occasionally, and let them brown completely, infusing the onions and garlic with meaty richness. Once everything’s cooked through, drain the excess fat so your lasagna doesn’t turn out greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chopped basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. The combination of these ingredients brings incredible depth and that distinct, cozy Italian flavor that truly proves Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, get your lasagna noodles cooked according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. Once they’re ready, drain them well and set aside on a lined baking sheet or some parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan. Mixing in the egg helps the ricotta set up beautifully during baking, while the Parmesan injects a salty, nutty flavor that’ll make every bite memorable.
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the hearty meat sauce across the bottom—this helps prevent the noodles from sticking. Add a layer of noodles, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these glorious layers, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce and all the remaining mozzarella on top. This layering is what makes Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work feel like a present on your plate!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly, melty, and touched with golden spots. It’s so tempting to dig in right away, but letting the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes lets everything set, making it much easier (and neater) to slice and serve.
How to Serve Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work
Garnishes
Top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan is never amiss—after all, when it comes to lasagna, more cheese means more happiness!
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some classic garlic bread. The salad adds brightness while the bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of the dreamy sauce. Really, Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work when it’s part of a comforting Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your lasagna into smaller squares and serve as part of an appetizer platter at casual gatherings. Or, try baking individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation—suddenly, you’ve turned a family favorite into a restaurant-worthy dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover lasagna cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days and, if anything, the flavors get even cozier overnight. Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work, even as tomorrow’s lunch!
Freezing
This lasagna is a hero in the freezer department. Wrap tight portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze an unbaked lasagna too, making it an excellent make-ahead dinner for those extra hectic weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. Individual slices can be microwaved until hot, but a quick stint in the oven helps recapture that glorious melty-cheese top—because Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work, fresh or reheated!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or want to skip a step, no-boil noodles work great. Just make sure your sauce is a touch looser, since those noodles absorb extra liquid as they bake.
What’s the best way to make this lasagna vegetarian?
You can swap the meat with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any roasted vegetables you love. Consider adding lentils for even more texture—either way, Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work whether it’s meaty or veggie-packed.
Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time?
Definitely! This dish actually tastes even better when assembled a day in advance and baked later. It gives the flavors time to develop and meld in the fridge. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the cold.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Many stores carry gluten-free lasagna noodles that work just as well as traditional ones. Prepare them as directed and swap them in—everyone deserves to enjoy the magic of this comforting meal.
My lasagna comes out watery—how can I prevent that?
If your lasagna tends to be watery, try simmering your sauce a bit longer to reduce excess moisture. Also be sure to drain your noodles well, and don’t skip the resting period after baking—this helps everything set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever needed delicious proof that nothing beats a home-cooked meal, this recipe truly has your back. There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling tray of Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work from the oven and sharing it with people you love. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and make tonight’s dinner one to remember!
Print
Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna After a Long Day of Work Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic meat lasagna recipe. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender noodles come together in a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned. Drain fat, then add tomatoes, paste, sauce, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer.
- Prepare Noodles and Cheese: Cook noodles, mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan in a bowl.
- Layer: Preheat oven. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let lasagna rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Leftovers freeze and reheat well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
