Tomato Lasagna is like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and the comforting embrace of pasta. Just imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, perfect for Sunday dinners or those cozy weeknights when you need a little extra love. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table for lasagna nights. The laughter, the stories, and the inevitable food fights over who got the last piece made every bite even more delicious. This Tomato Lasagna recipe holds a special place in my heart and is guaranteed to create its own cherished memories at your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Tomato Lasagna is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that dances on your taste buds
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dining table
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Perfect for family gatherings or just a comforting weeknight meal
One time, I made this Tomato Lasagna for a potluck, and let’s just say it vanished faster than cookies at a kid’s birthday party!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Lasagna Noodles: I prefer using oven-ready noodles for convenience; no boiling required means less fuss and more time to enjoy.
Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes for the sauce; they add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the dish.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes the filling luxuriously smooth.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for best results; it melts beautifully and adds that gooey goodness we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it enhances the dish with a nutty flavor that complements the tomatoes well.
Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves elevates the flavor profile; their aromatic freshness brightens every layer.
Olive Oil: A splash of quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the sauce; it’s essential for depth and richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch; it’s simply not Italian without garlic!
Onion: Sautéed onions bring sweetness and complexity to your sauce; cook them until they’re golden brown for best results.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t skip these—season to taste!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Tomato Lasagna
Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools needed for an efficient cooking experience.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking once you assemble your lasagna.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Create Your Tomato Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes along with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully into a rich sauce.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Mix until creamy and well blended.
Assemble Your Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread some tomato sauce at the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, then repeat until you reach the top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you have an irresistible Tomato Lasagna that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Serve hot with extra basil sprinkled on top for garnish. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family gathered around—the laughter will surely flow as freely as the cheesy goodness!
Tomato Lasagna isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth that nourishes not only our bodies but our souls too. So gather around that dinner table because this dish invites everyone to share stories while savoring every delicious bite!
You Must Know
- Tomato lasagna is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate
- Layering fresh ingredients enhances flavor and creates a comforting, gooey texture that’s hard to resist
- The enticing aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then layer your sauce, noodles, and cheese in sequence for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrients. The world is your oyster!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect layers, ensure your noodles are cooked al dente, as they will absorb moisture
- Adding fresh herbs like basil elevates the flavor profile immensely
- Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving to help it set properly
Cooking this tomato lasagna brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air amid delicious bites.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes for my tomato lasagna?
Yes! Canned tomatoes can provide great flavor and convenience.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being soggy?
Ensure noodles are cooked al dente and avoid excess sauce between layers.
Can I freeze leftover tomato lasagna?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing flavor.
Tomato Lasagna
Savor the warmth of homemade Tomato Lasagna, a delightful dish featuring layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. This comforting classic is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, creating delicious memories with every bite. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, it’s an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened (3-5 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil until creamy.
- In a baking dish, layer some tomato sauce at the bottom. Place noodles, followed by ricotta mixture and mozzarella; repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider adding spinach or swapping ricotta for cottage cheese. - Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to prevent sogginess. - Let lasagna sit for 15 minutes before serving for better slicing.
