National Lasagna Day is a holiday that celebrates the delicious and hearty Italian dish that has been a favorite of families around the world for generations. Observed on July 29 every year, this holiday is a time to indulge in the rich flavors and comforting textures of lasagna.
Lasagna is a layered pasta dish that typically includes pasta noodles, tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats and vegetables. The dish originated in Italy and has since become a popular staple of Italian cuisine worldwide. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
One of the most popular variations of lasagna is the classic meat and cheese version, which includes layers of ground beef or Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. However, there are also vegetarian and vegan versions of lasagna that use plant-based ingredients like tofu, spinach, and eggplant.
To celebrate National Lasagna Day, why not try making your own lasagna at home? Here’s a recipe for a classic meat and cheese lasagna:
Classic Meat and Cheese Lasagna Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar tomato sauce (24 oz.)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 container ricotta cheese (16 oz.)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this classic meat and cheese lasagna recipe on National Lasagna Day, or any day of the year when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying Italian meal.
