HOMEMADE LASAGNA WITH FRESH PASTA

INDULGE IN COMFORT: HOMEMADE LASAGNA WITH FRESH PASTA

HOMEMADE LASAGNA WITH FRESH PASTA

Get ready to experience the rich and hearty flavors of homemade lasagna, crafted from scratch with fresh pasta sheets and a savory three-cheese filling. This classic comfort dish brings together a deeply flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly layered pasta for a meal that is truly unforgettable. In this blog post, I'll guide you through every step of making the ultimate lasagna from start to finish.

On New Year's Eve, David and I decided that we wanted to make homemade lasagna with fresh pasta and homemade tomato sauce. We were enjoying champagne and cooking together. Thankfully, we had two sets of hands because the pasta well broke at one point! A few tips: make a deeper pasta well and have someone there to help if you need it. We also made a second casserole dish full because we knew there would be a week in the winter where we wouldn’t want to cook—best decision ever.

Ingredients

For the Fresh Pasta:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or '00' flour for a more traditional texture)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 pinch of salt

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced

  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/2 tsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 2 cups parmesan ricotta cheese

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

Additional:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Fresh Pasta

  1. On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Add the eggs and a pinch of salt.

  2. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork until a dough starts to form.

  3. Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, or use your KitchenAid dough attachment for 3 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  4. Roll out the dough into thin sheets using a KitchenAid pasta attachment or by hand, then cut into lasagna-sized sheets. Let them dry slightly on a rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until brown, then add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned (about 5 minutes).

  2. Pour in the red wine and stir until mostly evaporated.

  3. Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. In a deep 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom.

  3. Layer fresh pasta sheets, 1/3 of the meat sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the cheese filling. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and cheese blend.

  4. Cover with foil (use toothpicks to prevent sticking) and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

  5. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips:

  • For extra depth of flavor, let the meat sauce simmer for 30 minutes before assembling.

  • To prevent lasagna from being watery, let the pasta sheets dry slightly before using.

  • For a gourmet finish, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the baked lasagna before serving.

How to Make Your Lasagna Even Better

6 Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:

  • Up the texture with chunky meat.

  • Add pancetta or bacon.

  • Don't be shy with the wine.

  • Try a wild mushroom white sauce for added luxury.

  • Use three types of cheese.

  • Stop the slop (add less sauce).

Best Spices for Lasagna

This lasagna is flavored with fresh parsley, dried basil leaves, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper for a perfectly balanced taste.

Should You Bake Lasagna Covered or Uncovered?

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Best Cheeses for Lasagna

A mix of whole milk ricotta, mascarpone, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fontina creates a rich, creamy layer that perfectly complements the sauce and noodles.

Best Way to Layer Lasagna

  • Coat the bottom of the dish with beef or marinara sauce.

  • Add one layer of pasta, then top with Bolognese.

  • Add a second layer of pasta, then top with the cheese mixture.

  • Add a third layer of pasta, then top with Bolognese.

  • Add a fourth layer of pasta, then top with the cheese mixture.

What to Serve with Homemade Lasagna

Lasagna is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side dish elevates the experience. Try serving with:

Rest assured, this homemade lasagna with fresh pasta is an indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. Whether for a family dinner, special celebration, or meal prep for the week, each bite delivers comforting, rich flavors. Happy cooking!

healthy recipeanastasia keramidashealthy recipes, lasagna, recipe1 Comment