This recipe for Grammy's Overnight Lasagna is a tried and true family favorite. With layers of delicious pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese, this lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. The best part is that you can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next day! Perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests, this lasagna is sure to impress. Don't forget to serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Top with a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the lasagna, covered, for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish dating back to the Middle Ages.
Traditionally, lasagna was made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese.
The word 'lasagna' actually refers to the pasta sheets used in the dish, and not the whole dish itself.
Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients like vegetables, seafood, or even just cheese.
Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for later enjoyment.