Mama’s Roses Lasagna: Delicious & Easy Recipe

This lasagna recipe isn’t just any lasagna; it’s Mama’s Roses Recipe for Lasagna, a dish brimming with love and family history. Passed down through generations, it’s the star of countless family dinners and celebrations. The aroma alone transports us back to Grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the promise of a comforting meal. Today, I’m sharing this treasured recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. If you’re wondering what else you can make in a similar baking dish, check out our guide on oval baking pan uses for inspiration..

Why this Mama Rosa’s Lasagna is Special

This lasagna is special not only for its rich, cheesy, and satisfying flavor but also for its unique “rose” design. Mama always added an artistic flourish, swirling the ricotta filling into delicate rose shapes within the layers. It’s a small touch that makes this lasagna truly unforgettable. Plus, the slow-simmered meat sauce, a secret recipe itself, is what truly sets this lasagna apart!

Ingredients for Mama’s Roses Recipe for Lasagna

This section details all the ingredients you’ll need for Mama Rosa’s Lasagna, broken down for easy shopping and preparation.

Meat Sauce Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground round (or ground chuck for a richer flavor)
• 0.5 lbs Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
• 0.5 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (this balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley (dried parsley can be substituted, use 2 tablespoons)
• 1 can (35 oz) Italian-style crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes, if preferred)
• 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
• 0.5 cup water (or more, as needed, for desired sauce consistency)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)

Cheese Filling Ingredients

• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or full-fat is recommended for creaminess)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)

Pasta and Other Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready noodles are convenient, but regular noodles work well too – just pre-cook them according to package directions)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for the pasta water)
• 3/4 lbs fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (pre-shredded mozzarella works, but fresh mozzarella melts beautifully)

Making the Meat Sauce (The Foundation of Flavor)

The meat sauce is the heart of this lasagna, so we’re going to take our time building those deep, rich flavors. For a different kind of meaty, cheesy dish try our Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta.

Browning the Meat

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground round and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure to get a nice, even brown on all sides – this adds tons of flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is key to preventing a greasy lasagna.

Building the Sauce

Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Now, add the sugar, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and garlic powder (if using). Stir everything together well, making sure the meat is evenly coated in the sauce.

Simmering for Depth

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed – you might want to add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of sugar. This slow simmering process is Mama’s secret to a truly unforgettable lasagna sauce. You can find helpful tips on cooking with sausage in our guide on cooking sausage in the oven.

Preparing the Cheese Filling & Assembling Mama Rosa’s Lasagna

Now that our meat sauce is simmering away, let’s prepare the cheese filling and assemble the lasagna.

Making the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth. This creamy mixture is what will make your lasagna extra cheesy and delicious.

Layering the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and creates a flavorful base. Then, arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly if needed to cover the entire bottom of the dish. Now, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with half of the mozzarella slices. Repeat these layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce.

Achieving the Rose Design

Before adding the final layer of meat sauce, let’s create those beautiful roses. Take small spoonfuls of the remaining ricotta mixture and, using the back of the spoon, swirl them into rose shapes on top of the last mozzarella layer. Space the roses evenly across the lasagna. This is where you can get creative! Once you’ve made your roses, gently spread the final layer of meat sauce over them, being careful not to disturb the design too much. For some cheesy inspiration, you might enjoy our Basque Cheesecake recipe. They’ll peek through beautifully after baking. Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out our Chicken with Peppers and Onions recipe.

Baking & Serving Mama Rosa’s Lasagna

With our lasagna assembled, it’s time for the oven to work its magic. For information on the health benefits of tomatoes, a key ingredient in this lasagna, check out this article on the benefits of tomatoes from Healthline.

Baking Instructions

The lasagna should already be in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered. This allows the lasagna to heat through evenly and the cheese to melt beautifully. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning. A good indicator of doneness is when the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly browned and crispy.

Resting and Serving

Once the lasagna is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the cheese to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions. Trust me, the wait is worth it! A rested lasagna holds its shape beautifully, showcasing those pretty rose designs.

Serving Suggestions

Mama Rosa’s Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate it even further. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add a healthy touch. And for a truly Italian feast, serve with a glass of red wine – Mama’s favorite! For those curious about the nutritional benefits of garlic, another star ingredient in this dish, take a look at this informative article from Healthline on the health benefits of garlic.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making delicious lasagna.

Storing & Reheating Mama’s Roses Lasagna

Lasagna is often even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers.

Refrigerating and Reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, individual portions can be microwaved for a quick meal. For a more even heating and crispier top, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing and Thawing

To freeze lasagna, cool it completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Alternatively, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the lasagna from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the oven as described above, adding a little extra time for the center to heat completely.

Conclusion: Enjoying Mama’s Roses Lasagna with Loved Ones

Mama Rosa’s Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of family, love, and tradition. Sharing this dish with your loved ones creates memories that will last a lifetime. The aroma filling your kitchen, the cheesy, comforting flavors, and the beautiful rose design are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your family, just as it is in ours. Enjoy!

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