Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire dish, providing ample space for mixing ingredients and simmering.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure chicken broth, sauces, and seasonings.
Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and mincing garlic with precision.
Colander: Optional for draining excess fat from the meat if required.
Cheese Grater: Great for shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan cheese.
Italian Lasagna Step-by-Step
Comforting Italian Pasta Feast
Sizzling Skillet Beginnings A large pot becomes your culinary canvas. Drizzle olive oil and let it warm gently over medium heat. Introduce ground meat and transform it into golden, crumbly goodness by breaking it apart as it cooks.
Aromatic Flavor Base Toss in chopped onions and watch them dance and soften. Sprinkle minced garlic for an irresistible fragrance that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Liquid Gold Mixture Pour in chicken broth, creamy Alfredo sauce, and juicy tomatoes. Shower the blend with herbs that whisper of Italian countryside – basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.
Noodle Magic Gently drop broken lasagna noodles into the simmering liquid. Let them swim and soften, absorbing all the rich surroundings for about 10-12 minutes.
Cheesy Finale Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the surface. Watch these dairy treasures melt into a luxurious blanket, transforming your dish into a creamy, dreamy masterpiece ready to comfort and delight.
Tips for Lasagna Success
Meat Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can replace meat with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a hearty alternative.
Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or ricotta to create a more complex cheesy experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra freshness.
Spice it Up: Kick the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, include a small amount of paprika or chipotle powder to enhance the overall flavor.
Texture Twist: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for easier eating, or use alternative pasta shapes like penne or rotini. For a gluten-free option, try using zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
Make-Ahead Magic: This lasagna soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
How to Plate Italian Lasagna
Cozy Family Feast: Serve this lasagna soup in deep, rustic bowls that showcase its creamy, hearty nature. Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Gourmet Garnish Magic: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top. These final touches elevate the dish from simple to spectacular, adding layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the soup with crusty garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices. The crispy bread becomes an ideal vessel for soaking up the rich, cheesy broth, creating a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Wine Companion Delight: Pair this creamy lasagna soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity and depth complement the rich, cheesy flavors, transforming an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy dinner.
Saving Italian Lasagna
Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer any leftover lasagna into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from seeping in.
Refrigerator Rhythm: Stash the lasagna in the fridge for up to 4 days, keeping it at a consistent temperature below 40°F to preserve its delicious taste and texture.
Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags. These meals will stay delectable for 2-3 months, ready for quick reheating.
Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, use an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the lasagna's creamy consistency.
Homemade creamy Italian lasagna delight brings layers of rich ricotta, tender pasta, and savory beef sauce from traditional Italian kitchens. Generations of family recipes combine in this hearty meal that welcomes comfort and warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
4 cups (946 mL) chicken broth
2 cups (473 mL) Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Sauce Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a aromatic base for the lasagna’s flavor profile.
Meat Preparation: Brown ground meat thoroughly, breaking into fine fragments while draining excess fat to ensure a lean, rich texture.
Aromatic Infusion: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, releasing their subtle, fragrant essence into the developing sauce.
Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, blending herbs and seasonings to construct a complex flavor landscape.
Simmering Stage: Bring mixture to a brief boil, then reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, concentrating flavors and creating a harmonious liquid base for approximately 10 minutes.
Pasta Incorporation: Gently introduce lasagna noodles directly into the simmering sauce, allowing them to cook and absorb the rich, multilayered flavors until perfectly tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Cheese Finale: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dish, stirring until they melt completely, transforming the sauce into a creamy, luxurious coating that embraces every ingredient.
Notes
Meat Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef or a blend of beef and Italian sausage for maximum flavor complexity and reduced greasiness.
Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged varieties to ensure smoother melting and more authentic texture.
Simmer Secrets: Keep pot partially covered during cooking to prevent excessive liquid evaporation while allowing flavor concentration and ingredient infusion.
Texture Tip: Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent noodles from sticking together and ensure even sauce distribution throughout the dish.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.