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    Home » Dinners

    Lasagna al Forno

    Published: Feb 8, 2023 · Modified: Mar 9, 2023 by Caitlin from CC's Table · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    recipe for lasagna al forno

    Lasagna al Forno (or oven-baked lasagna) is one of my favorite meals for entertaining! It can be made in advance and everyone loves a comforting slice of lasagna!

    How do I make Lasagna al Forno?

    Lasagna consists of layering meat sauce, lasagne noodles, and a ricotta mixture then topping with mozzarella cheese and baking it. The key ingredients in my recipe are:

    • Ground beef- I recommend 80%/20% for extra flavor
    • Ground pork- same note as above
    • Ricotta- you can use whole milk or reduced fat
    • Lasagne noodles- you can use the "no-boil" type to save time if you'd like (skip step 2 if you do). You can also substitute for gluten-free lasagne noodles.
    • Tomato sauce- you can use your favorite homemade recipe, or opt for jarred to save time

    lasagna al forno recipe

    How can I prepare lasagna in advance?

    Lasagna is an excellent meal to make for company! You can make it up to 3 days in advance and cover it with foil and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are getting ready to serve, allow the lasagna to come to room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

    Can I freeze lasagna?

    Yes! Lasagna is a great frozen meal. Freeze it after assembling but before baking. It can be well covered then frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, allow the lasagna to defrost in the refrigerator for a solid 24 hours. If you forgot to defrost it, prepare for it to bake much longer (about twice as long). If baking from frozen you may also need to cover with foil part way through so that the center can keep cooking without the top burning.

    Lasagna al Forno would make a great meal to bring to new parents. It is also great to have on hand for busy weeks or spontaneous company.

    lasagna al forno recipe

    What should I serve with Lasagna al Forno?

    Here are some ideas for what to serve with Lasagna:

    • Caesar salad
    • Bread and butter or garlic bread
    • Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding for dessert

    If you make this recipe for Lasagna al Forno, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below! I hope you love it as much as my family does 🙂

    lasagna al forno recipe

    recipe for lasagna al forno

    Lasagna al Forno

    Recipe for meat and ricotta Lasagna al Forno that is the perfect pasta dish to make ahead and serve guests.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: oven-baked, pasta
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Author: Caitlin from CC's Table

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb lasagna noodles

    Meat and Tomato Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion diced
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80%/20%)
    • 1 lb ground pork (preferably 80%/20%)
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 48 ounces tomato sauce homemade or your favorite jarred

    Ricotta Filling

    • 2 lb ricotta cheese
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
    • ½ cup finely chopped parsley
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
    • 2 eggs, beaten

    Topping

    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees farenheit and place the baking rack on the middle shelf. Spray a 9x13 deep lasagna pan with cooking spray.
    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (skip this entire step if using "no-boil" lasagna noodles). Drain the noodles and lay them out on a sheet pan drizzled with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
    • Meanwhile, make the meat mixture. Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add the olive oil, onions, and a pinch of salt. Cook, sauteing frequently, until the onions are soft, about 5-8 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and pork. Break up the meat with a large spoon and cook, stirring occasionally until fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat. Add the jarred tomato sauce and stir until combined. Turn off the heat, taste and adjust seasoning, and set aside.
    • Meanwhile, make the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired before mixing in the eggs.
    • To the baking pan, add a thin, even layer of the meat mixture to just cover the bottom of the pan. Then add the noodles, then the ricotta mixture in an even layer, then more meat mixture. Repeat for 4-5 layers ending on the meat mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese.
    • Place the baking pan on a sheet pan and bake for 40-60 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is slightly browned on top. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. KIpp

      February 08, 2023 at 1:14 pm

      Delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        February 08, 2023 at 2:39 pm

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply
    2. Alison

      February 10, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      Looks so good! I like the idea of having it on hand for company!

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        February 10, 2023 at 8:32 pm

        Aw thank you so much! It is definitely perfect to have on hand! Thanks so much for your comment 🙂

        Reply
    3. David @ Spiced

      February 14, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      Oh this is my kind of comfort food right here! I love a good lasagna, and this recipe is spot on, Caitlin. Do you deliver? Say in the next 30-45 minutes? 🙂

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        February 16, 2023 at 7:38 pm

        Ah I love it! Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jeff the Chef

      February 15, 2023 at 9:35 am

      I love a good lasagna, and yours looks really good. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Caitlin from CC's Table

        February 16, 2023 at 7:37 pm

        Thank you so much! It's the perfect comfort food!

        Reply

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