Lasagna is a delicious, layered Italian baked pasta dish that is loved worldwide. It typically consists of wide flat pasta sheets layered with various fillings
such as meat sauce, cheese (usually ricotta or mozzarella), and vegetables, all topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked to perfection.
The origins of lasagna
can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where there were dishes similar to modern-day lasagna. The name itself is believed to have come from the Greek
word "laganon," which referred to a flat sheet of pasta dough. Over time, the dish evolved and spread throughout Italy, with regional variations emerging. Today
lasagna remains a staple of Italian cuisine and is enjoyed in countless households and restaurants around the world.
Recipe #1 - A Quick & Easy Lasagna
Making lasagna doesn't have to be time-consuming, this is a Quick & easy recipe to get all the great taste of a traditional lasagna in the shortest
amount of time.
This is a quick and easy lasagna recipe which always seems to
turn out moist and full of flavor with a fantastic crunchy topping. I actually
prefer this way of making lasagna over the traditional way especially when the time is limited
Quick & Easy Lasagna - Ingredients
The Meats - Italian sausage and ground beef
The vegetables - Onions, garlic, strained tomatoes, tomato paste,
The Spices - Italianno spices, black pepper, parsley, salt
The Cheese - Mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano
Lasagna Noodles
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - The Different Choices Of Meats
This recipe uses hamburger and mild italian sausage which I think is the best meats to use in a lasagna. If
you prefer you can substitute the hamburger and sausage for other ingredients such as a meat substitute
(vegetarian sausage and hamburger, etc) or ground turkey or chicken.
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - The Meat and Onions
In A Large Frying Pan Add:
1 pound of ground beef
1 mild italian sausage
1 onion cut into small pieces
2 garlic cut into small pieces
2 teaspoon italianno spice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Cook until done on medium heat
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - Cooking
When Cooked Add Into The Frying Pan:
1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
680 ml strained tomatoes
Then mix in 10 lasagna noodles (broken up)
1/2 cup water
Continue to cook at medium heat until noodles are done (add more water if needed)
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - Noodles
When The Noodles Are Done Mix Into The Frying Pan
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
2 tablespoon whipping cream (un-whipped)
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - The Crunchy And Delicious Topping Layer
Sprinkle on the top, don't pre-mix them together
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup soft mozzarella cheese
Put under broiler until lightly golden brown
The Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe - Toast Side Dish
Garlic or cheesy garlic toast is the perfect match to go along with any lasagna. Look for those recipes on my
YouTube and TicTok channels and they will also be posted here on this website.
Recipe #2 - The Classic Meat Lasagna
Classic Meat Lasagna - The Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Classic Meat Lasagna - Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Classic Meat Lasagna - Instructions:
Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Drain off excess grease. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Classic Meat Lasagna - Assemble
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer 6 noodles over meat sauce, overlapping as needed.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Recipe #3 - Vegetarian Lasagna
Vegetarian Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It's packed with
flavorful vegetables, creamy cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered between sheets of pasta.
Vegetarian Lasagna Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 eggplant, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetarian Lasagna Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant
and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer 6 noodles over sauce, overlapping as needed.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles.
Top with half of the vegetable mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Vegetarian Lasagna Tips:
You can use any vegetables you like in this lasagna. Some other good options include mushrooms, spinach, and kale.
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese.
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce.
To make this lasagna ahead of time, assemble it and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Recipe #4 - Lasagna Bianca
Lasagna Bianca also known as White Lasagna, is a creamy and comforting Italian dish that swaps the traditional red tomato sauce for a rich and flavorful béchamel
sauce. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor profile or are looking for a change from the classic red lasagna.
The béchamel sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, creates a velvety base for the lasagna, while layers of cheese, vegetables, and sometimes meat, add depth and texture. White lasagna is a
versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Lasagna Bianca's Key Ingredients can include:
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional or no-boil lasagna sheets work well.
Béchamel Sauce: The creamy white sauce is the foundation of the lasagna.
Cheese: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is common.
Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and other vegetables can be added.
Meat (optional): Sausage, ground beef, or chicken can be included for a heartier lasagna.
Lasagna Bianca - Ingredients:
Béchamel Sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Lasagna Bianca - Filling:
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Lasagna Bianca - Instructions:
Make the Béchamel:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Lasagna Bianca Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Lasagna Bianca - Assemble:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping as needed.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Top with half of the sausage mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers of noodles, ricotta, sausage, and mozzarella.
Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Baking Lasagna Bianca:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Lasagna Bianca - Tips & Variations:
No-Boil Noodles: If using no-boil noodles, be sure to use enough sauce to keep them moist as they cook.
Vegetable Options: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sausage mixture.
Meatless Version: Omit the sausage and use additional vegetables or a plant-based protein alternative.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Don't overcook the béchamel sauce: Stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
Use a variety of cheeses: This adds depth of flavor and richness to the lasagna.
Add vegetables for texture and nutrition: Choose vegetables that complement the other flavors in the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Customize the lasagna with your favorite ingredients and flavors.
Recipe #5 - Classic Lasagna Bolognese
Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion. It typically consists of layers of lasagna
sheets, a rich meat sauce (Bolognese), béchamel sauce, and cheese.
The Bolognese sauce is made with ground meat (usually beef or a combination of beef and pork), tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs.
The béchamel sauce is a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. The cheese is usually a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella.
Classic Lasagna Bolognese - Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Classic Lasagna Bolognese - Béchamel sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and nutmeg.
Classic Lasagna Bolognese - Bolognese sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Classic Lasagna Bolognese - Assemble The Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping as needed.
Spread half of the remaining Bolognese sauce over the noodles.
Top with half of the Béchamel sauce and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers of noodles, Bolognese sauce, Béchamel sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.