Introducing Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe!

Craving the perfect Italian comfort food? Look no further than Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna! Packed with layers of delectable flavors and made with love, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can savor the extraordinary? Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna is crafted using only the finest ingredients, carefully selected to ensure a mouthwatering experience with every bite. From the rich and savory tomato sauce to the perfectly seasoned ground beef, each layer is meticulously crafted to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

What sets Sheri’s lasagna apart from the rest is the secret ingredient: a heavenly blend of Italian cheeses. Imagine indulging in a medley of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and sharp Parmesan, perfectly balanced and oozing with irresistible goodness. It’s a cheese lover’s dream come true!

But that’s not all – Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, we’ve got you covered. Customize your lasagna to suit your preferences by adding mouthwatering ingredients like smoky bacon, roasted vegetables, or even spinach and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The possibilities are endless!

Thanks to our easy-to-follow recipe, preparing Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna is a breeze. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a seasoned chef as you assemble each layer with precision. Impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes like a culinary expert prepared it.

So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate Italian dining experience. With Sheri’s Best Homemade Lasagna recipe, you’ll create memories and flavors that will be cherished for a lifetime. Get ready to savor a slice of lasagna heaven!

About Sherri

Sundays with Sherri, we cook. This lasagna recipe is the best lasagna recipe out there. 

This homemade lasagna was first served to me at a work potluck. 

I asked Sherri if we could make it for our Sundays With Sherri, and she agreed.

My husband cannot get enough of this lasagna. It’s incredibly good, and my husband tells Sherri she can “sell it” for huge profits and have a line around the building.

It’s a warm, comfortable dish that will bring you back for more.

The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box Lasagna Noodles

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 pound ground beef

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

(1) 28 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes

(1) 5 ounce can of tomato sauce

2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning

16 ounces cottage cheese, small curd

16 ounces Ricotta Cheese

1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar

1 pound mozzarella Cheese, shredded

1 cup Parmesan Cheese

How to Make the Best Lasagna:

Prepare the lasagna noodle as the manufacturer directs, and add one tablespoon of Olive Oil to the water.

Drain and rinse in cold water to prevent sticking when cooking is done.

Make the Sauce:

In a large 8 quart pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain off the fat and return to the pan.

Add tomatoes, spices, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat. Taste and add more seasonings if necessary.

Prepare the Lasagna:

In a 9x12x12 baking pan, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan.

Lay three noodles lengthwise over the sauce.

Combine the cottage cheese, Ricotta, and Parmesan Cheese.

Spread a VERY thin layer of cheese mixture over each noodle.

Sprinkle a thin layer of Mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese mixture.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the cheese and repeat.

You should get three layers with this recipe.

Top layers with meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.

Bake:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Place layered lasagna in preheated oven on the center rack for 40 minutes or until heated through.

Lasagna Making Tips:

Here are some tips to help you make a fantastic homemade lasagna:

1. Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and good-quality cheeses. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of your lasagna.
2. Precook noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles until they are al dente before assembling the lasagna. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. You can use No Cook or Instant Noodles and assemble it as usual. To ensure the pasta has enough liquid to cook through while the lasagna is baking, add 1/2 cup of water to the sauce when using INSTANT. I have made it this way. I think it creates a different texture, but it is still delicious!
3. Season each layer: Season each layer of your lasagna to enhance the overall flavor. Add salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to the sauce, meat, and cheese layers. This ensures that every bite is delicious and well-balanced.
4. Don’t skimp on sauce: Be generous with the sauce between each layer of noodles. It keeps the lasagna moist and flavorful. Consider making extra sauce to have a sufficient amount for layering.
5. Combine cheeses: As mentioned earlier, blending ricotta and cottage cheese together creates a delightful texture and flavor combination. Feel free to experiment with other cheese combinations or add additional cheeses like shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
6. Let it rest before serving: After baking, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut neat portions.
7. Cover while baking: To prevent the cheese on top from becoming overly browned or burnt, cover the lasagna loosely with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time. Towards the end, you can remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden crust.
8. Customize to your taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Add vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value. Alternatively, include cooked ground meat or sausage for a heartier version. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
9. Make ahead: Lasagna can be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes dinner preparation easier. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake it the next day before serving. You can go ahead double the recipe, and make one for the freezer. Then cover the second one with aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost and cook per the above directions.
10. Enjoy leftovers: Lasagna often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers properly and reheat them for a delicious meal later.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering homemade lasagna that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite!

Why Do You Mix the Cottage Cheese and Ricotta Cheese Together?

Mixing ricotta and cottage cheese together when making lasagna serves two purposes: enhancing flavor and improving texture.

1. Flavor enhancement: Ricotta cheese is known for its creamy and slightly sweet flavor, while cottage cheese has a milder and slightly tangy taste. By combining these two cheeses, you create a balanced and more complex flavor profile. The creamy richness of ricotta complements the tanginess of cottage cheese, resulting in a more satisfying and flavorful lasagna.
2. Texture improvement: Ricotta cheese has a smoother and creamier texture, while cottage cheese has a slightly grainy texture due to its curds. Mixing them together helps to create a smoother and creamier filling for the lasagna layers. The combination results in a velvety and luxurious texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

Additionally, blending ricotta and cottage cheese together can be a cost-effective alternative to using only ricotta cheese, as cottage cheese is typically less expensive. It provides a similar creaminess and taste while keeping the dish budget-friendly.

Ultimately, the choice of using a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese in lasagna comes down to personal preference. Some recipes may call for only ricotta cheese, while others may incorporate both. Feel free to experiment and adjust the cheeses ratio based on your taste preferences.

How Many Layers Should There Be in a 13×9 pan?

In a 13×9 pan, the number of layers in a lasagna can vary depending on the thickness of the ingredients and personal preference. However, a common approach is to aim for approximately three to four layers of noodles and filling.

Here’s a general guideline:

1. Start with a thin layer of sauce: Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent the noodles from sticking and add flavor to the base.
2. Add a layer of noodles: Place a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the pan’s bottom.
3. Spread the filling: Spread a generous layer of the ricotta-cottage cheese mixture (or your chosen filling) evenly over the noodles. You can add other ingredients like cooked ground beef, vegetables, or cheeses between the layers for added flavor.
4. Top with sauce and repeat: Pour a layer of sauce over the filling, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layering process, adding another layer of noodles, filling, and sauce. You can repeat this step for a total of three to four layers, depending on the depth of your pan.
5. Finish with cheese and sauce: For the final layer, top the lasagna with a layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, Parmesan) to create a golden, melty topping.

Remember to adjust the amounts of sauce, filling, and noodles accordingly, ensuring that you have enough ingredients for the desired number of layers. It’s important to end with sauce and cheese on top to prevent the noodles from drying out while baking.

Feel free to customize the layering process to suit your preferences, such as adding more or fewer layers based on how thick or saucy you like your lasagna. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavors in your homemade lasagna!

How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?

To store leftover lasagna properly, follow these steps:

1. Let it cool: Allow the lasagna to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintains the integrity of the dish.
2. Portion and wrap: If you have a large batch of lasagna, consider dividing it into individual portions for easier storage and reheating. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can use airtight containers.
3. Refrigeration: Place the wrapped or containerized lasagna in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. Make sure to position it in a designated area where it won’t be squished or stacked under heavier items.
4. Freezing (optional): If you want to store the lasagna for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Proper wrapping helps maintain the quality of the lasagna and prevents freezer odors from seeping in. The frozen lasagna can be stored for around 2 to 3 months.
5. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover lasagna, you have a couple of options for reheating. If it was refrigerated, you can heat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven. For frozen lasagna, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, you can reheat it in the oven until heated through.

Remember to always follow safe food handling practices and ensure that the lasagna is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

By properly storing your leftover lasagna, you can enjoy its delicious flavors for several days or even longer if frozen.