Classic Family-Style Lasagna

 

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for parties or gatherings? Lasagna is always a winner! One of the things I love about lasagna is that you can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven an hour or so before you need it. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy days or special occasions.

Making lasagna also brings back some of my favorite memories—like my oldest son’s 4th birthday party, when he asked for a “spaghetti cake.” Though it’s been a while since that cute request, every time I make lasagna, it takes me back to those moments of sharing a delicious, comforting meal with family and friends. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes memories that last.

I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy cooking simple, no-fuss meals. Sure, I could make homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch, but on days when I’m short on time, using a store-bought sauce and pre-shredded cheese makes the process a lot quicker. If you have the time and prefer homemade, absolutely go for it! Today, I used a store-bought sauce that my kids love, and with the help of my youngest daughter, we had a blast preparing this meal together. I encourage you to get your little ones involved too—building those layers can be a fun family activity!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 43 oz spaghetti sauce
• Salt to taste
• Lasagna noodles
• 2 lbs shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

Optional toppings:

• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Sausage

Instructions:

1. Boil the noodles: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. While that’s heating up, you can start on the sauce.

2. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly, making sure not to burn it. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add salt to taste, and if there’s any excess grease or liquid in the pan, drain it off. Once the beef is browned, stir in the spaghetti sauce, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Cook the noodles: By this point, your water should be boiling. Add salt to the water to give the noodles extra flavor. For each layer, you’ll need 3 lasagna noodles (I used 9 total for my 9x13 dish). If your dish is deeper, you might need more. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.

4. Assemble the lasagna: Once the noodles are cooked, it’s time to layer your lasagna! Start by adding ¼ cup of the sauce to the bottom of your baking dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Then, place 3 lasagna noodles in the dish. Spread 1/3 cup of cottage cheese (or ricotta) over the noodles. Top with 1 to 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce and spread it evenly. If you're adding extras like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage, go ahead and layer them in now (I kept mine simple since my kids prefer just the basics).

5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a little Parmesan. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for one hour. After baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set so your slices stay intact.

Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe with your loved ones! It’s perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s always a hit when you make it together as a family. Happy cooking!

Rosca de Reyes Recipe: A Delicious Family Tradition

After a long break from social media, I'm finally back! It's been a while since I last shared a recipe, and I think it’s time to get back into the swing of things. When I first started this blog, my goal was not only to share recipes with others but also to create a digital record of the dishes my kids grew up eating. That way, whenever they leave the nest, they’ll always have access to the recipes that are part of their heritage.

Looking back at the recipes I’ve shared and the ones my kids keep asking for, I realize there’s so much more to share. To ease back into blogging, I’ve decided to post a new recipe each week. So let’s start this week’s post with something special: the scrumptious Rosca de Reyes I made for Three Kings Day. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try!

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What You’ll Need:

For Proofing the Yeast:

• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp flour

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs (set an egg white on the side to brush the rosca at the end)
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sugar
• 9 tbsp butter (room temperature)

For the Sugar Paste:

• 200 grams vegetable shortening
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 200 grams powdered sugar
• Food coloring (I used pink and yellow)

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Instructions:

1. Proof the Yeast:
   Start by microwaving the milk for about 30 seconds until it’s warm. Add 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp flour, mixing well. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the yeast can begin rising.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl or stand mixer with a hook attachment, combine the 4 cups of flour and eggs. Mix until well combined. Add the ¾ cup sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. Then, add the butter and blend it thoroughly into the dough.

3. Incorporate the Yeast:
   Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dough. The dough will be sticky at first. If you’re mixing by hand, knead until the dough is no longer sticky and can stretch thin without tearing—this should take about 15-20 minutes. If using a stand mixer, scrape the sides occasionally until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.

4. Let the Dough Rise:
   Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. I placed mine near a sunny window. This usually takes about an hour.

5. Make the Sugar Paste:
   While the dough is rising, prepare the sugar paste. In a bowl, mix together the vegetable shortening, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar until smooth. Divide the paste into three portions. Keep one white, color the second pink, and the third yellow (or any colors you prefer). You could even add cocoa powder to one batch for a chocolate flavor! Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and roll them into squares, about 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate.

6. Shape the Dough:
   Once the dough has doubled in size, punch a hole in the center and gently stretch it into an oval shape, similar to making bagels. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet and cover it again. Let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour.

7. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

8. Decorate the Rosca:
   Brush the dough with the egg white you set aside before you start decorating. Then, take the sugar paste out of the fridge and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips on top of the dough. You can also sprinkle sugar on top of the paste for extra sweetness. My kids love the sugar paste, so I use more of it than the traditional dried fruit topping, but you can also add candied fruit like pineapple, cherries, mango, apricots, and figs.

9. Bake:
   Once the rosca is decorated, bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.

10. Let it Rest:
    After baking, let the rosca rest for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying. If you like, you can hide a small figurine (traditionally a baby) inside the bread, but be sure to warn your guests beforehand!

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Enjoy the Tradition:

I hope you enjoy making this Rosca de Reyes as part of your family’s tradition, just as my kids look forward to it every year. It’s more than just a delicious treat—it’s a way to bring the family together and celebrate special moments.

Happy baking, and stay tuned for more weekly recipes!