Recipe

This lasagna recipe is all about comfort and classic Italian-American flavor, made with hearty homemade sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly layered pasta. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is satisfying, rich, and easy to prepare using a few simple steps. With some prep and layering, you’ll have a golden, bubbling lasagna just like Nonna used to make—without the cleanup (thanks to a disposable pan!).

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Ingredients

1 box lasagna noodles
32 oz ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
9 cups homemade meat sauce, made ahead (includes fennel sausage and pork braciole)
Alternatively, use 1.5 jars of your favorite store-bought sauce
Non-stick cooking spray (such as PAM)
1 large aluminum baking tray

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the entire box of lasagna noodles.
Cook for about 8 minutes, until just tender (al dente).
Drain and set aside. You can trim noodles with kitchen shears later to fit your pan.

Step 2: Prep the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs.
- Tip: Beat eggs in a separate bowl to avoid any eggshells getting into the cheese.
In a large bowl, combine:
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- Beaten eggs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Spray the aluminum tray generously with non-stick spray, coating both the bottom and sides. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Begin Layering

Sauce First – Spread a thin, even layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the pan.
Noodle Layer – Lay 4 noodles across the sauce. If needed, trim with kitchen shears to fit.
Cheese Layer – Dollop the ricotta-mozzarella mixture over the noodles and spread evenly.
Sauce Again – Spoon another layer of sauce over the cheese.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the process of noodles → cheese → sauce two more times for a total of three complete sets of layers.

Step 6: Final Topping

After the last layer of noodles, spread a generous amount of sauce over the top.
Finish by sprinkling a thick, even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.

Step 7: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
After about an hour, remove the foil.
Continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling.

Expected Servings

Makes 8 to 12 servings, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

This homemade lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that layers tradition and taste into every bite. Whether you use your own meat sauce or a jarred version, the blend of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender noodles creates a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. Serve with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread, and you’ve got the perfect homemade Italian dinner. Buon appetito!

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