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Achieving Optimal Firmness in Lasagna

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our easy and delicious lasagna recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this hearty dish features layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Our Tips ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly solid and avoids any unwanted sogginess. From draining ingredients to using oven-ready noodles and letting it rest, each step is crafted to deliver a mouthwatering lasagna experience. Dive into layers of flavor with this foolproof recipe that promises a firm, non-runny lasagna every time. Serve up a slice of homemade perfection and savor the comfort of a classic favorite!

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package (16 oz) lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked al dente)
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Meat:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until onions are soft.
  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Layering:
    • In a deep baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of cheese.
  5. Tips to Avoid Runny Lasagna:
    • Drain Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like ricotta, canned tomatoes, and cooked vegetables are properly drained to avoid excess moisture.
    • Precook Vegetables: Sauté or precook vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to remove excess water before layering.
    • Use Oven-Ready Noodles: If using oven-ready noodles, ensure they are well-covered with sauce to prevent excessive absorption of liquid.
    • Thicken Sauce: Make a thicker sauce by simmering it longer or adding a small amount of tomato paste.
    • Balanced Layering: Avoid overloading with sauce and balance the cheese layers for a well-structured lasagna.
    • Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to absorb excess moisture and set.
  6. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve:
    • Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious, non-runny lasagna!

Notes

To ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly without being runny, consider the following key notes:

  1. Drain Ingredients:
    • Properly drain excess liquid from ingredients like ricotta cheese, canned tomatoes, and cooked vegetables. This prevents additional moisture from making the lasagna runny.
  2. Precook Vegetables:
    • Sauté or precook vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to remove excess water before layering them in the lasagna. This step helps maintain a solid texture.
  3. Use Oven-Ready Noodles Wisely:
    • If opting for oven-ready lasagna noodles, ensure they are well-covered with sauce to prevent excessive absorption of liquid. This helps maintain the lasagna’s structure.
  4. Thicken the Sauce:
    • Simmer the pasta sauce for an adequate amount of time or add tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency. A thicker sauce contributes to a more solid lasagna.
  5. Balanced Layering:
    • Avoid overloading with sauce between layers. Maintain a balanced approach with the cheese layers, ensuring each element contributes to the structure without making it too wet.
  6. Let it Rest:
    • Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15-20 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the dish set, and any excess moisture is reabsorbed, contributing to a firmer texture.

By keeping these notes in mind, you can take proactive steps to prevent your lasagna from becoming runny and ensure a delightful, well-structured dish with each preparation.

  • Author: Clara Bourdin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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