Award Winning Lasagna

Welcome to comfort food heaven with this ultimate lasagna recipe! Perfectly layered with a rich tomato meat sauce and an irresistible blend of four cheeses, this homemade lasagna promises deliciousness in every bite. Imagine tender lasagna noodles cradling a saucy, savory meat mixture, and gooey layers of mozzarella, provolone, cottage cheese, and Parmesan. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and family traditions.

My mother’s lasagna recipe has been a cherished family treasure for over 40 years. I remember the delightful anticipation as the aroma of simmering sauce filled our home. Now, I’m excited to share this tried-and-true recipe with you.

Despite its gourmet taste, this lasagna is surprisingly easy to make. Start by browning ground beef with onions, then create a luscious sauce infused with oregano, thyme, and garlic. Layer it all with cooked noodles and cheese, building a masterpiece that’s both comforting and impressive.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals ahead of time, this lasagna is freezer-friendly and perfect for any occasion. Trust me, the leftovers are even better! So, gather your loved ones, indulge in this cheesy, saucy delight, and create your own unforgettable memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Meat for the Sauce:

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • ½ Yellow Onion, chopped
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Water
  • Dried Oregano
  • Dried Thyme
  • Brown Sugar
  • Bay Leaves
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Tomato Paste
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Lasagna Ingredients:

  • Uncooked Lasagna Noodles
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • Provolone Cheese Slices
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese

Cooking Directions

Step 1 – Browning the Meat:

  1. Brown 2 lbs of ground beef in a large pan with ½ chopped yellow onion, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook until no pink is visible.
  3. Drain the fat using a colander.

Step 2 – Making the Sauce:

  1. Return the drained ground beef to the pan.
  2. Add all the sauce ingredients and 2 cups of water.
  3. Stir until combined; the sauce will be watery at this point.
  4. Simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Step 3 – Preparing the Noodles:

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
  3. Drain the noodles and run cold water over them. Set aside.

Step 4 – Layering the Lasagna:

  1. Spread ½ cup of sauce evenly on the bottom of a lasagna pan.
  2. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  3. Layer with 6 slices of Provolone cheese.
  4. Spread some sauce over the cheese slices.
  5. In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, and fresh ground pepper. Spread this mixture over the sauce.
  6. Add 3 more lasagna noodles.
  7. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Add 3 more lasagna noodles.
  9. Spread the remaining sauce evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5 – Baking the Lasagna:

  1. Cover the lasagna dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  3. Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.