We love diving into timeless classics like lasagna, and our Prince Lasagna Recipe brings that hearty Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Originating from the sun-kissed regions of Italy this dish has become a staple for family feasts with its layers of rich flavors and gooey cheese.
What sets our version apart is the use of premium Prince pasta which ensures every bite is perfectly al dente. We’re confident you’ll create a crowd-pleaser that warms hearts and satisfies cravings so let’s get started on this easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
We carefully select these essential ingredients for our Prince Lasagna Recipe, drawing on traditional Italian flavors to build layers of rich, savory goodness with premium Prince pasta at the center.
To prepare our dish, we’ll list the ingredients in the order they are used, from base components to toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Prince lasagna noodles: 12 sheets (about 9 ounces), cooked to al dente for the perfect texture that holds up in every bite
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing aromatics and adding a smooth base flavor
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, to start building the sauce with its sweet undertones
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced, for that essential pungent kick that elevates the sauce
- Ground beef: 1 pound (80% lean), browned and drained, providing hearty protein for the meat layer
- Italian sausage: 1/2 pound, removed from casing and crumbled, cooked with the beef for added spice and depth
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), for a robust tomato base that forms the heart of the sauce
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons, stirred in to thicken and intensify the sauce’s richness
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped, added for a burst of aromatic freshness
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, for classic Italian seasoning that ties everything together
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups, full-fat, mixed with egg for a creamy filling layer
- Large egg: 1, beaten, to bind the ricotta and ensure it holds its shape
- Mozzarella cheese: 3 cups, shredded, for melting over the top and between layers to create gooey perfection
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated, sprinkled for a nutty, crispy finish on the final layer
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning each component as we assemble the lasagna
Each ingredient is chosen for its role in delivering authentic Italian taste in our Prince Lasagna Recipe, ensuring a balanced and irresistible result.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Prince Lasagna with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools that ensure everything comes together seamlessly. Building on the ingredients we’ve selected, these items help us achieve that perfect al dente texture from Prince lasagna noodles and create those irresistible layers of flavor.
Here’s a list of the essential equipment, organized by the stages of preparation:
- Large Pot: We use this for boiling the Prince lasagna noodles to achieve their signature al dente bite. Choose one that holds at least 8 quarts to prevent overflow.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Ideal for browning the ground beef and Italian sausage, allowing us to develop rich, savory flavors in the sauce.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch rectangular dish works best for layering and baking our lasagna to golden perfection. Opt for a glass or ceramic one for even heat distribution.
- Mixing Bowls: We need at least two—one large for combining ricotta cheese with egg and herbs, and another medium for mixing sauces.
- Colander: Essential for draining the boiled Prince lasagna noodles quickly and efficiently to avoid sogginess.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: This tool helps us stir and mix ingredients without scratching our cookware, ensuring smooth sauce preparation.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our seasonings and cheeses, so we always keep a set handy for precision.
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F for baking; make sure it’s a standard oven with reliable temperature control to guarantee even cooking.
With these tools in place, we’re set to move forward and assemble our hearty Prince Lasagna masterpiece.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing our mouthwatering Prince Lasagna step by step. We promise these instructions will help you craft a layered masterpiece with rich flavors and perfect al dente Prince pasta.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients for efficiency. Start by finely chopping 1 medium onion and mincing 3 cloves of garlic to release their aromatic essence. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 large egg for a creamy binding effect, then stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to infuse herbal notes. Grate 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese separately ensuring they melt evenly later. Measure out 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of Italian sausage for a savory meat blend. This prep sets the stage for seamless assembly.
Cook the Sauce
Let’s build the hearty sauce that forms the soul of our Prince Lasagna. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage then brown for 5-7 minutes breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. Stir in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and one 6-ounce can of tomato paste then season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally to develop deep, savory flavors that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Prepare the Noodles
Now we turn our attention to the star of the show—Prince pasta noodles. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil then add 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance the noodles’ taste. Carefully add 12 Prince lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente offering that perfect tender yet firm texture. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to prevent sticking ensuring they remain easy to handle for layering.
Assemble the Lasagna
With our components ready, let’s layer our Prince Lasagna for a visually stunning and flavorful dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F as we begin. Spread 1 cup of the cooked sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a flavorful base. Lay 4 cooked Prince lasagna noodles over the sauce then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top followed by half of the remaining sauce and 1 cup of grated mozzarella. Repeat the layers once more then finish with a final layer of 4 noodles the rest of the sauce and a generous sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan building a cheesy crown that promises gooey perfection. This assembly creates a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Bake
Finally, let’s bake our Prince Lasagna to golden perfection. Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown emitting an enticing aroma that will have everyone eager to dig in. If you desire a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for clean slices.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Prince Lasagna recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We often prepare it in advance to save time while preserving that perfect al dente texture from Prince pasta and the rich, savory layers of Italian flavors. Below, we outline step-by-step methods to make ahead, store, and reheat your lasagna for maximum convenience and flavor.
Preparing Components in Advance
To streamline your cooking process, we suggest prepping key elements up to 2 days ahead:
- Meat Sauce: After cooking the sauce as detailed in our earlier steps, let it cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a deeper, more aromatic taste when you assemble the lasagna.
- Ricotta Mixture: Mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and herbs ahead of time. Store in a covered bowl in the fridge to keep it fresh and ready for layering.
- Noodles: Cook the Prince lasagna noodles to al dente, then toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Note: Use within 24 hours to maintain the ideal texture.
Assembling the Lasagna Ahead
For full assembly, we recommend doing this up to 24 hours in advance:
- Follow our assembly instructions from the previous section, layering the sauce, ricotta mixture, noodles, and cheeses in your 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. This step ensures the ingredients settle and flavors intensify without sogginess.
- If freezing, wrap the dish twice in foil after assembling (but before baking). Pro Tip: Label with the date and baking instructions for easy reference.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to enjoying our Prince Lasagna at its best. Here’s how we handle it:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered in the fridge at 40°F or below to maintain freshness. When ready, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature for even cooking. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Freeze in the baking dish or divide into portions for quicker thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. |
| Reheating | Varies |
Bake refrigerated lasagna at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. For frozen, add 20-25 minutes to the baking time, covering with foil for the first half to prevent over-browning. Let rest for 10 minutes post-bake for clean slices and to enhance those melt-in-your-mouth cheese layers.
By following these steps, we ensure your Prince Lasagna remains a crowd-pleasing, effortless masterpiece, ready to impress with its hearty, Italian-inspired goodness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Prince Lasagna recipe with you, as it’s a timeless favorite that brings authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen.
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a way to gather loved ones and create lasting memories with every savory bite.
Give it a try and make it your own; we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prince Lasagna?
Prince Lasagna is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring premium Prince pasta noodles for a perfect al dente texture. Originating from Italy, it’s a hearty, family-friendly meal with layers of savory meat sauce, cheeses, and herbs, making it ideal for gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for Prince Lasagna?
The key ingredients include Prince lasagna noodles, ground beef, Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, fresh basil, dried oregano, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and an egg for binding. These create an authentic, flavorful Italian taste in a balanced recipe.
What equipment is required to make Prince Lasagna?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling noodles, a skillet for browning meat, a 9×13-inch baking dish for layering, mixing bowls, a colander, measuring cups and spoons, and an oven preheated to 375°F. These tools ensure precise and easy preparation.
How do I prepare Prince Lasagna step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients like chopping onions and garlic. Cook the sauce by sautéing aromatics, browning meats, and simmering with tomatoes. Boil noodles al dente, layer with sauce, ricotta mixture, and cheeses in a baking dish, then bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Rest before slicing.
Can I make Prince Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the meat sauce and ricotta mixture up to a day in advance, or assemble the full lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. This allows flavors to meld, making it convenient for busy schedules.
How should I store and reheat Prince Lasagna?
Store assembled but unbaked lasagna in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. For reheating, bake refrigerated lasagna at 375°F until bubbly, or thaw frozen one and bake at 350°F. Always cover to prevent drying, and heat to an internal temperature of 165°F.