Oh my goodness, there’s nothing quite like the joy of making Natasha’s Kitchen lasagna! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with those rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese melting together in perfect harmony. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Every bite is a celebration of flavors, and I love how it brings family and friends together around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a treasured staple in your home too!
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 pound ground beef (browned)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (browned)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Natashas Kitchen Lasagna
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, you’ll want to cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking! Once they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process—this helps keep them from getting mushy.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef and Italian sausage together. This will take about 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks—no one likes big chunks! Once browned, drain any excess fat, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, the smell will be irresistible!
Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because you want that ricotta to spread easily between the layers. Don’t rush it; a good mix makes all the difference in texture and flavor!
Layer the Lasagna
Now for the fun part—layering! Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish, just to prevent sticking. Then, place three lasagna noodles on top. Next, spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process, layering noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella until you reach the top. Finish with a layer of meat sauce and a final shower of mozzarella cheese. It’s going to look amazing!
Bake and Serve
Pop your lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s done, don’t rush to cut into it! Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps it set, making those beautiful layers easier to serve. And trust me, that first slice will be worth the wait!
Tips for Success
To make your Natasha’s Kitchen lasagna truly shine, quality ingredients are key! I always opt for fresh mozzarella and whole milk ricotta for that rich, creamy texture. When layering, don’t skimp on the sauce—it helps keep everything moist and flavorful. Also, try to avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the oven. If you want that golden, bubbly top, feel free to broil it for the last couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it! And remember, letting it cool before slicing is crucial for those perfect layers.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. A typical serving of Natasha’s Kitchen lasagna contains around 450 calories, with about 25 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein. You’ll also get approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber per slice. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for fueling your day, but as always, feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your dietary needs and preferences!
FAQ about Natashas Kitchen Lasagna
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. This way, it’ll bake evenly and come out just as delicious as if you made it fresh!
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you find yourself without ricotta cheese, don’t worry! You can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream for a richer flavor. Just blend it smooth for the best results. You could also try a blend of Greek yogurt and some herbs for a lighter option!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftover Natasha’s Kitchen lasagna fresh, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in freezer-safe packaging, and it should last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to follow steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce create a flavor explosion.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients—add veggies or different cheeses!
- Comfort food at its finest; it warms the soul and brings everyone together.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
PrintNatasha’s Kitchen Lasagna: 5 Sweet Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic lasagna recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen, featuring layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add marinara sauce to the meat mixture and simmer.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Freeze leftovers for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: natashas kitchen lasagna, lasagna recipe, Italian lasagna