Tomato lasagna is the kind of dish that makes you want to hug your kitchen. Picture layers of tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese bubbling away in the oven like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. The moment you pull it out, the aroma wafts through your home, drawing everyone to the table while making them forget their phone notifications. Yes, please! For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes to try recipe.

This delightful dish has a way of bringing people together; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests during casual get-togethers. I still remember the first time I made tomato lasagna for my friends; they practically fought over the last piece! Spoiler alert: it was a deliciously chaotic evening filled with laughter and second servings. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

I’ll never forget when my cousin declared this was “better than grandma’s.” We all laughed until we cried, but honestly, who can compete with grandma?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Use either traditional or no-boil noodles based on your convenience; both will work wonders.

• Tomato Sauce: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes or homemade sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; don’t skip this step if you love cheesy goodness.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for that melty stretch you crave; it’s worth every calorie.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan elevates the taste profile, adding a nutty depth that’s hard to resist.

• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch; feel free to toss them in like confetti!

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for the best flavor and health benefits; drizzle it generously.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse your sauce with aromatic goodness; avoid powdered garlic if possible.

• Onion: Sweet onions bring balance to flavors; sauté until translucent before adding other ingredients.

• Sugar (optional): A pinch of sugar helps cut acidity from tomatoes if needed; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Tomato Lasagna

Prepare Your Oven and Noodles : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente for that perfect bite.

Sauté Aromatics : In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes will do.

Create the Sauce : Pour in your tomato sauce along with a pinch of sugar if desired. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to meld those flavors beautifully.

Mix Cheeses Together : In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with some shredded mozzarella and freshly chopped basil. This cheesy mixture should be creamy yet spreadable—a delightful filling!

Build Your Layers : In a baking dish, start layering: begin with sauce at the bottom, then noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture. Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with mozzarella on top.

Bake Until Golden : Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—trust me, you want those crispy edges!

Let it cool slightly before serving. When slicing into those cheesy layers, you’ll hear that satisfying crunch as you dig into comfort food heaven.

And there you have it! A warm plate of tomato lasagna ready to steal hearts (and stomachs) at your next dinner gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your sauce while preheating your oven to 375°F. Layer noodles, sauce, and cheese systematically for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrients. Get creative with herbs too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

The first time I made tomato lasagna, my friends devoured it so fast I barely had a chance to serve!

FAQ

Can I make tomato lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Fresh ripe tomatoes offer the best flavor; canned tomatoes work well too.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Ensure layers are dried properly and use less sauce on each layer for better texture.

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Tomato Lasagna

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Tomato lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that layers tender noodles with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese. This recipe brings together fresh ingredients for a delightful meal perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. With its vibrant colors and savory flavors, this lasagna will not only satisfy your hunger but also warm your heart. Get ready to create an unforgettable experience with every cheesy bite!

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Ingredients

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• 9 lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
• 4 cups tomato sauce (homemade or high-quality canned)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato sauce and sugar (if using) to the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and fresh basil until creamy.
5. In a baking dish, layer as follows: sauce at the bottom, followed by noodles, then the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with mozzarella on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg