How To Make The Best Homemade Lasagna | You'll Never Buy Frozen Lasagna Again After Trying This!

Summary

In this holiday-themed lasagna tutorial, the creator walks viewers through the process of making a delicious, hearty lasagna with a few fun twists. From sautéing ground beef and adding a rich homemade tomato sauce, to creating a flavorful ricotta mixture with a surprising touch of Cajun seasoning, the video provides clear, step-by-step instructions. The creator emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors, layering ingredients carefully, and baking the lasagna to perfection. The result is a satisfying and easy-to-follow recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting homemade meal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to use 2.5 lbs of ground beef with an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio for the best flavor and texture.
• 😀 When cooking the ground beef, let it sit undisturbed for a bit before chopping it to help it caramelize.
• 😀 Drain excess fat from the beef before adding onions and seasonings to the skillet for a balanced dish.
• 😀 Always taste your sauce as you cook it and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding sugar to cut acidity if needed.
• 😀 Fresh parsley and optional fresh basil can add extra freshness to the sauce at the end of cooking.
• 😀 For the ricotta mixture, add Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, Cajun seasoning, and an egg for a flavorful, creamy layer.
• 😀 Don't be afraid to get creative with seasoning, such as using Cajun seasoning to add an unexpected twist to the ricotta mixture.
• 😀 Layer the lasagna by first spreading meat sauce on the bottom to prevent the noodles from sticking.
• 😀 Use enough meat sauce and cheese in each layer to ensure every bite is flavorful and cheesy, but don’t overdo it.
• 😀 After baking, let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes to help it set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Q & A

What type of meat is used for this lasagna recipe?

The recipe uses 2.5 pounds of ground beef with an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio.

Why does the chef drain the fat from the ground beef?

The fat is drained because there was too much of it, and it helps to create a better balance of flavors and texture in the dish.

What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?

The sugar is added to reduce the acidity in the tomato sauce and balance the overall flavor.

What is the role of parsley in the meat sauce?

The parsley is added for extra flavor and freshness, and it is included near the end of cooking.

What ingredients are added to the ricotta cheese mixture?

The ricotta cheese mixture includes grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley, one egg, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and a little salt.

Why does the chef add Cajun seasoning to the ricotta mixture?

The chef adds Cajun seasoning to give the ricotta mixture a unique flavor twist, adding depth and a bit of spice to the dish.

What is the purpose of layering the lasagna with meat sauce before the noodles?

The meat sauce is added to the bottom of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.

How does the chef handle the lasagna noodles if they don't fit in the pan?

If the noodles don’t fit, the chef breaks them into pieces to ensure they fit properly in the dish.

What is the importance of not being stingy with the meat sauce?

The chef emphasizes not being stingy with the meat sauce to ensure each layer is well-coated and flavorful throughout the lasagna.

Why does the chef bake the lasagna covered with foil at first?

The lasagna is covered with foil to prevent the cheese from sticking and to ensure it cooks evenly. The foil is removed later to allow the cheese to brown.

How does the chef finish the lasagna after baking it?

After baking, the chef sets the oven to broil and places the lasagna back in for 3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden top.

Why does the chef recommend letting the lasagna rest before serving?

The chef suggests letting the lasagna rest for about 5 minutes after baking so that it sets and doesn't fall apart when cut.