Delightful Lasagna with Enhanced Sunday Gravy and Homemade Pasta

Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, is the epitome of comfort food. Layered with rich, meaty sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta, and sheets of tender pasta, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. This recipe takes you on a culinary journey to create a lasagna that’s both traditional and heartwarming. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in, lasagna is a versatile dish that invites customization. Whether you’re a fan of adding extra cheese, incorporating vegetables, or sticking to the classic meat sauce, this recipe offers a solid foundation for you to build your own lasagna masterpiece. Get ready to layer, bake, and enjoy a slice of this timeless Italian favorite.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission for any purchases you make using my links.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of leftover Sunday Gravy
• 1 jar of strained tomatoes
• 24 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Ricotta cheese mixed with 1 beaten egg
• Homemade pasta dough (from your recipe)
• Salt for pasta water
• Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Use my homemade pasta dough recipe to make the pasta sheets. Roll the dough into thin sheets. Place on drying rack.

2. Pre-Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta sheets in batches of 3 pieces of pasta for 1-2 minutes until just tender. Remove and let water drain off in a colander.

3. Enhance the Sunday Gravy: In a large mixing bowl, combine your Sunday Gravy with the jar of strained tomatoes. Mix well.

4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)

5. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Layer 1: Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Spread a layer of the enhanced Sunday Gravy on the bottom.
• Layer 2: Place a layer of pre-cooked pasta sheets over the gravy. Cut the pasta with kitchen shears to fit the size of your pan.
• Layer 3: Spread a layer of the ricotta and egg mixture over the pasta.
• Layer 4: Spread a layer of the enhanced Sunday Gravy over the ricotta and egg mixture.
• Layer 5: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat Layer 2-5 until you reach the top of your lasagna pan.

6. Bake the Lasagna: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Note: This lasagna recipe combines your rich and flavorful Sunday Gravy with homemade pasta, creating a truly homemade and comforting meal.

This batch, I put in the refrigerator for my hubby for later in the week; I will be traveling this week, so I tried to set him up with a few good meals. If you refridgerate before cooking, you will have to extend your cooking time to at least 60 minutes total (45 covered and 15 uncovered).

In conclusion, this lasagna recipe offers a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion. Its layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and aromatic herbs create a harmonious symphony of tastes. While it requires some time and effort to prepare, the result is undoubtedly rewarding. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also brings people together, making it a cherished recipe to be passed down through generations. Remember, the key to a great lasagna is in the quality of ingredients and the love with which it is prepared. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece!

If you’re feeling your Italian roots, be sure to follow your meal with Pasticchiotto for dessert.

-S&E