Soulful Lasagna Recipe

soulful lasagna recipe

(Healthy & Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, comforting meal.

Ingredients.

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or red wine)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12-15 lasagna noodles, oven-ready or boiled al dente
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

How to Make This.

  1. Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef/sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (or red wine), chopped basil, chopped oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Assemble Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large ceramic baking tray (approx. 9×13 inches). Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce (break noodles if needed to fit). Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, covered generously with the remaining meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Slow Bake: Cover the baking tray loosely with aluminum foil (you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top (watch carefully).
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart.

Tips.

  • Flavorful Sauce: Don’t rush the meat sauce; allowing it to simmer for longer develops a richer, more complex flavor.
  • Oven-Ready Noodles: If using oven-ready noodles, ensure there’s enough liquid in your sauce to cook them properly. If using regular noodles, boil them al dente before assembling.
  • Resting is Key: Resting the lasagna after baking is crucial for clean slices and to prevent a messy presentation.

Why Make This?

This slow-baked lasagna is the epitome of soulful comfort food. Baking it in a ceramic tray ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked noodles, a bubbling, cheesy top, and a deeply infused sauce. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you crave a hearty, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. The added soulful spices elevate the classic flavors to a new level of deliciousness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

  1. Serve this hearty lasagna with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

  2. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must for soaking up any extra sauce.

  3. A glass of red wine complements the meal beautifully.

More Baking Recipes.

lemon blueberry loaf recipe

Lemon Blueberry Loaf.

chocolate rye cookies

Chocolate Rhy Cookies.

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