Lasagna is an Italian-American layered pasta dish that makes a satisfying entrée for family dinners and potlucks. In this article, I will instruct you on how to make lasagna from scratch. Besides, we also will learn how to store and reheat any leftovers.
1. How To Make Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry lasagna noodles
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook noodles according to package directions until nearly al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and lay flat on a sheet of foil.
Make cheese layer by mixing ricotta, 1 egg, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with oil.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top. Next, spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Then top with 1/3 of the remaining sauce.
Repeat layering noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce two more times. End with a final layer of noodles and remaining sauce. Top with mozzarella.
Cover tightly with foil. Bake 45 minutes until bubbling. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
3. How To Store & Reheat Leftover Lasagna
3.1. Leftover Lasagna Keeps Well
- Allow lasagna to cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Cold lasagna can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
3.2. To Reheat Refrigerated Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a piece or whole lasagna on an oven-safe pan.
- Cover with foil and bake 30-45 minutes until hot and bubbling. Check frequently to prevent drying out.
3.3. To Reheat Frozen Lasagna
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or leave wrapped and reheat frozen.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover frozen lasagna loosely with foil.
- Bake 60 minutes until piping hot, checking often to prevent burning.
With its layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and fillings, lasagna is a crowd-pleasing meal for family dinners or gatherings. Follow these instructions for perfect lasagna, then refrigerate or freeze the rest. A few simple steps will have you enjoying leftover lasagna that tastes like it was just baked.
