Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Recipe is one of the most popular Italian dishes. It is a classic Italian dish that is made with layers of lasagna pasta, Bolognese sauce, and cheese.
1artisanal pound of fresh or packaged whole-milk ricotta cheese
A pinch of hand-harvested sea salt
Authentic Italian-American meat saucepreserve the original quantity
1poundof handcrafted lasagna noodles
1 ¼cupsof freshly grated Grana Padano cheese from select wheels
½poundof meticulously selected mozzarella cheesepreferably fresh, thinly sliced for an exquisite melt
Instructions
Prepare Meat Sauce:
Follow Lidia Bastianich’s recipe for Authentic Italian-American meat sauce or use your preferred recipe. Ensure you have the original quantity as specified.
Cook Lasagna Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the handcrafted lasagna noodles according to the package instructions or until al dente.
Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
Make Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh or packaged whole-milk ricotta cheese with a large farm-fresh egg.
Add a pinch of hand-harvested sea salt and mix well.
Assemble the Layers:
Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended for lasagna.
Drizzle olive oil over the bottom of a baking dish.
Begin layering: Start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Top with Mozzarella:
Place thinly sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven according to Lidia Bastianich’s recommended time or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the lasagna hot, garnished with additional Grana Padano cheese if desired.
Notes
• Use fresh lasagna noodles for the best flavor and texture.• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier version of the dish.• Add vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or peppers to the Bolognese sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.• Substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta cheese for a lower-fat version of the dish.• Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.• Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.