Discover how to make a delicious and budget-friendly lasagna at home for less than $2 per serving.
Key Takeaway: Create a flavorful lasagna from scratch without breaking the bank, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Introduction
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that often comes with a hefty price tag at restaurants. Learn how to make it affordably at home while maintaining its delicious flavors.
Ingredients and Cost Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed to make lasagna for under $2 per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb | $3.50 |
| Ground Pork | 3/4 lb | $2.60 |
| Garlic | 5 cloves | <$0.50 |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium | $0.50 |
| Tomato Paste | 6 oz can | $0.80 |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 28 oz can | $1.00 |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 oz | $2.00 |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 8 oz | $2.00 |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/3 cup | $0.50 |
| Lasagna Noodles | 10-12 sheets | $1.50 |
| Total Cost per Serving | <$2.00 |
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare Homemade Lasagna Noodles (Optional)
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cost: $1.50 for homemade noodles
- Make Noodle Dough:
- Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 egg yolks, and 2 whole eggs. Knead until smooth, rest for 30 minutes, then roll out and cut into sheets.
- Boil Noodles:
- Cook homemade or store-bought lasagna noodles in salted water until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Meat Sauce
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Cost: $8.40 for meat and sauce ingredients
- Brown Meat:
- Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot. Sear 1 lb ground beef and 3/4 lb ground pork until browned. Break meat into fine pieces with a masher.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- Cook 5 cloves of sliced garlic and 1 finely diced onion until fragrant. Stir in 2 tsp fennel seed powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Stir in 6 oz tomato paste and cook until caramelized. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, simmer for 5-7 mins, adjust seasoning.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cost: $4.50 for cheese ingredients
- Mix Cheeses:
- Combine 15 oz ricotta, 8 oz shredded mozzarella, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble and Bake Lasagna
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cost: <$2.00 per serving
- Layering:
- Spread a cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese. Repeat.
- Bake:
- Cover with greased foil, bake at 375°F for 25 mins. Uncover and bake 30-35 mins until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Cost: <$2.00 per serving
- Rest and Serve:
- Let lasagna cool for 15 mins before slicing into squares. Serve hot and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both economical and delicious.
Conclusion
Making lasagna at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize flavors and ingredients to your liking. Whether you choose to make homemade noodles or use store-bought, the result is a hearty, satisfying dish that won’t strain your wallet.
Next time you’re craving lasagna, skip the expensive restaurant option and follow this simple guide to create a budget-friendly masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy a delicious homemade lasagna that’s as good as any gourmet meal, all while saving money.