Irresistible Tomato Lasagna Recipe for Family Gatherings

There’s something about Tomato Lasagna that transforms a simple meal into a culinary adventure. Picture layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese melting together in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delicious experience that has everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

Every family gathering I attended as a child featured my grandmother’s famous Tomato Lasagna. It was her secret weapon for bringing us all together, sparking laughter and love as we savored each cheesy mouthful. Whether it was a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday feast, this dish never failed to create delightful memories. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember one particular evening when my friends gathered to enjoy this Tomato Lasagna; the compliments were endless and the laughter flowed just as freely.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Lasagna Noodles: Use no-boil noodles for convenience or regular ones if you prefer the traditional texture.

• Fresh Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes are key; opt for ripe ones for maximum flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; consider using whole milk for an extra indulgent layer.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that gooey texture everyone loves.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth; avoid pre-grated versions for best results.

• Fresh Basil: Nothing beats fresh herbs; chop them finely to sprinkle throughout the lasagna layers.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out robust flavors; mince it finely to infuse every bite.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances all the flavors while providing healthy fats.

• Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances acidity from tomatoes; it’s like magic in your sauce!

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste according to your preference.

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

How to Make Tomato Lasagna

The process of making Tomato Lasagna is straightforward yet rewarding. Let’s embark on this delicious journey step-by-step.

Prepare Your Sauce: Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in chopped tomatoes and a pinch of sugar along with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens into a luscious sauce.

Create Your Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended—this creamy layer adds heavenly richness.

Assemble Layers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer noodles followed by ricotta mixture and shredded mozzarella—repeat until all ingredients are used!

Bake It: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, allow your Tomato Lasagna to sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing—it helps hold those beautiful layers together!

Now you’re ready to dive into this comforting creation! Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad if you’re feeling fancy.

The joy of creating Tomato Lasagna lies not only in its taste but also in the warmth it brings to those who share it. Enjoy every cheesy moment!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by simmering your tomato sauce while you prepare the lasagna noodles. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheeses like ricotta for cottage cheese or add veggies such as spinach or mushrooms for a twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Some friends raved about my Tomato Lasagna at a potluck, and I realized cooking can bring people together like nothing else can.

FAQ

What type of tomatoes are best for the sauce?

Use San Marzano tomatoes for their rich flavor and natural sweetness in your sauce.

Can I make Tomato Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is it possible to freeze Tomato Lasagna?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze before baking. It can last up to three months frozen.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Tomato Lasagna

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Experience the delightful layers of Tomato Lasagna, where tender pasta meets rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese in a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe evokes nostalgia and warmth with every cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes (chopped)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
2. 2. Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. 3. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some tomato sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella, repeating until all ingredients are used.
4. 4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
5. 5. Rest: Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

• 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: 480mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 35mg