Friday Lasagna—I love it! It’s the perfect dish to wind down the week and get ready for a relaxed weekend. The layers of rich pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese make lasagna one of those comfort foods that everyone loves. Whether you’re going for a traditional version or something a little different, here’s a classic lasagna recipe that’s perfect for a Friday night!
Classic Friday Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (or use no-boil noodles if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if you’re using regular noodles)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned, add the onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Add the water or beef broth to thin it out a little.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors meld together.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, and fresh parsley (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Noodles:
- If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente.
- Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking.
- If you’re using no-boil noodles, skip this step!
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Lay down a layer of noodles (3-4 noodles, depending on the size of your pan).
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Add a generous layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers, alternating between noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
- You can drizzle some balsamic vinegar on the salad or sprinkle extra parmesan on top of the lasagna for a final touch.
Why This is Perfect for Friday:
- Comfort food at its finest: After a long week, lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table.
- Make ahead: You can assemble this lasagna the night before and refrigerate it, saving time on Friday. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
- Feeds a crowd: Lasagna is perfect for family dinners or hosting a small group—everyone loves a hearty helping!
This Friday Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, full of flavor and warmth. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend in comfort and style. Are you planning to make this for a special occasion, or is it just the ultimate way to kick off your Friday night?