Best 6 Cafe Lago Lasagna Recipes

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If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make lasagna recipe, then you've come to the right place. Cafe Lago lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty and comforting dish is made with layers of pasta, cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It's then baked until golden brown and bubbly. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you create a delicious and memorable lasagna that your family and friends will love.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA



World's Best Lasagna image

It takes a little work, but it is worth it.

Provided by John Chandler

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 1400.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

CHEF JOHN'S LASAGNA



Chef John's Lasagna image

There are only two things you need for great lasagna: a thick, rich, super-meaty meat sauce and lots of it, and a ricotta filling where only the finest cheeses are welcomed. For the sauce, I love a combination of half Italian sausage and half lean ground beef. I also like lots of sauce.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 cups prepared marinara sauce
2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
2 eggs
2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 (8 ounce) container fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
⅔ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 (8 ounce) container fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
½ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • Place sausage and ground beef into a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir in mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Turn heat to medium-high and cook until mushrooms have given off their juices and bottom of pan is almost dry.
  • Pour prepared marinara sauce into meat mixture. Pour water into marinara sauce jar and shake to get all the sauce out of the jar; add to mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer until meat is extremely tender, about 2 hours. Add a little more water if sauce becomes too thick. Skim excess fat from surface of the sauce and season with more salt and black pepper, if needed. Turn off heat.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat eggs in a large bowl and stir in ricotta cheese, 8 ounces diced mozzarella cheese, and 2/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Season cheese mixture with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper; mix in parsley.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse noodles and set aside in a bowl of cold water.
  • Spread 1/4 the sauce into the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking pan. Top with 1/3 the noodles and spread 1/2 the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles. Spread 1/4 the meat sauce over the cheese, top with 1/3 the noodles, and spread remaining 1/2 the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Spread 1/4 the meat sauce over the cheese filling. Tap the casserole dish lightly on a sturdy work surface to settle the layers. Arrange last 1/3 the noodles over sauce and spread remaining 1/4 the sauce over the noodles. Dot top of the casserole with 4 ounces diced fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
  • Cover casserole with aluminum foil, being sure not to touch the top of the casserole with the foil. Place casserole onto a baking sheet to catch spills.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook until lasagna is golden brown and bubbling, 30 to 35 more minutes. Let set for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 729.7 calories, Carbohydrate 49.8 g, Cholesterol 159.4 mg, Fat 39.2 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 42.9 g, SaturatedFat 19.6 g, Sodium 1513.8 mg, Sugar 14 g

THE BEST EVER LASAGNA



The Best Ever Lasagna image

My brother, Joe, created this lasagna based on our mom's recipe. It's a family favorite at Christmas, thanks to the special ingredients that make it magnifico. -Stephanie Marchese, Taste of Home Visual Production Director

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h45m

Yield 15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cans (28 ounces each ) crushed tomatoes in puree
6 cups water
1 cup chopped fresh basil
2-1/4 teaspoons sugar, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
4 Italian sausage links
1 carton (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese
8 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
12 sheets no-cook lasagna noodles
21 slices provolone cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, water, fresh basil, 2 teaspoons sugar and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook bulk sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 8-10 minutes; drain. Add to sauce; simmer until mixture is thickened, about 1 hour longer., While sauce simmers, preheat oven to 350°. Place sausage links on a rimmed baking sheet; roast until cooked through, 35-40 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly; slice into 1/4-in.-thick pieces., In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, dried basil and remaining sugar., In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, spread 2 cups sauce. Arrange 4 noodles over sauce; spread with a third of the ricotta mixture. Add 7 provolone slices, a third of the sliced sausage and 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers 2 more times, using only 1 cup sauce per layer. Spread with 2 cups sauce (reserve remaining sauce for serving on the side), remaining 2-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese (dish will be full)., Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, uncovered, until bubbly and deep golden brown, 60-65 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Serve with remaining meat sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 509 calories, Fat 33g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

CAFE LAGO LASAGNA



CAFE LAGO LASAGNA image

Categories     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 12 People

Number Of Ingredients 29

BALSAMELLA
1/4 pound butter
1/2 cup unbleached flour King Arthur
4 cups cold milk
Make roux.
add the milk while stirring with the whisk. Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently. Add kosher salt to taste. The sauce should cool for 30 minutes.
FILLING
2 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
2 whole eggs and 6 egg yolks, beaten together
Handful of chopped parsley
2 scant cups grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground pepper and nutmeg to taste
Mix ingredients in large bowl and refrigerate until needed.
TOMATO SAUCE
58 ounces canned whole tomatoes packed in juice
4 cloves peeled and split garlic
1 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Pass tomatoes through a food mill to remove seeds. Heat oil in a non-reactive pan and add the garlic; saute until nut brown. Add tomatoes and simmer vigorously for 10 minutes. Remove garlic and spice to taste.
Fresh Egg Pasta
3 cups flour
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces water
Drizzle olive oil
Add flour, beaten eggs, oil and salt into bowl of food processor. Pulse several times. Drizzle in an ounce or 2 of water while pulsing processor until ingredients bind into small pearls of pasta.
Remove pearls from bowl. Knead pasta for several minutes with the palm of your hand until it is as soft as a baby's bottom. Wrap in a clean dish towel.
Roll out 4 18-inch pasta sheets until you get to the thinnest setting of your machine. Then roll out 14 10-inch sheets. (Tip: "If you can see your hand through it,

Steps:

  • LASAGNA ASSEMBLY 1 buttered 15-by-10-by-2-inch Pyrex baking dish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Carefully place 1 18-inch pasta sheet in the boiling water, folding it in so it does not stick to itself (Tip: Viladas lowers it gently and slowly.) Boil 2 minutes. Remove from water using strainer insert, shock it in a bowl of cold water to stop further cooking, carefully lay it flat on the dish towel and pat dry with paper towels. Lay the sheet into 1 side of the Pyrex dish, letting pasta hang off either end about 2 inches, and about 1/2 inch over the side. Repeat this step twice using the other 2 sheets of pasta, laying 1 sheet in the middle of the dish and the last sheet on the other side. (The middle sheet should overlap the others by an inch or 2.) You are creating the bottom and wraparound layer of the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over this first layer of pasta. Boil 2 10-inch sheets of pasta, pat dry, and place these side by side Spread half the ricotta mix evenly over the pasta layer, Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, pat dry, layer Cover pasta layer with half the béchamel sauce. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, pat dry, layer Cover this layer with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Layer with rest of ricotta mix. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Cover with rest of béchamel. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Cover with thin layer of marinara. Top with last 2 layers of pasta sheets. Fold the overhanging pasta layer over the top pasta Top with 1/4-inch layer of marinara sauce and 1 more layer of pasta on top. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and let lasagna come to room temperature, or refrigerate for 3 or more hours until you are about 1 hour away from serving. .Heat remaining marinara on the stovetop. Place each piece on a plate and spoon a little marinara over the top, garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

DAVE GROHL'S BADASS LASAGNA



Dave Grohl's Badass Lasagna image

Dave Grohl shared this family favorite with me, and it's the best lasagna I have ever tasted! I make mine dairy free by swapping out the butter for 4 extra tablespoons of olive oil and the mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

6 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons lightly salted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
3 small onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 bay leaves
2 1/2 pounds plant-based ground beef alternative
3 tablespoons tomato paste
7 ounces marinara sauce or tomato passata
1 1/2 cups red wine
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
4 pinches ground nutmeg
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
9 no-boil lasagna sheets
14 ounces whole milk mozzarella, coarsely grated
2 ounces grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Heat the oil and butter in a large flame-proof pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, celery, carrots and bay leaves and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the plant-based ground beef alternative and break up with a fork if necessary. Add the tomato paste and marinara sauce and cook until bubbly, about 2 minutes.
  • Splash in the red wine and cook until it has evaporated. Remove the bay leaves, then pour in the broth and add the nutmeg, 3 pinches of salt and a sprinkle of pepper.
  • Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if dry, until the sauce has darkened and thickened and all the flavors have infused, about 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) with a rack in the center. Grease an 8-by-12-inch broiler-safe baking dish or lasagna pan with butter.
  • Spoon a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of the pan. Top with a layer of 3 pasta sheets, followed by a third of the remaining sauce and a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the pasta, sauce and cheeses twice more until you have 3 layers in total.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and turn the oven to broil, keeping the lasagna on the center rack. Cook to crisp the top, being careful not to let it burn, 10 to 15 minutes more.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes. Then it's ready to eat.

CAFE LAGO LASAGNA



CAFE LAGO LASAGNA image

Categories     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 12 People

Number Of Ingredients 29

BALSAMELLA
1/4 pound butter
1/2 cup unbleached flour King Arthur
4 cups cold milk
Make roux.
add the milk while stirring with the whisk. Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently. Add kosher salt to taste. The sauce should cool for 30 minutes.
FILLING
2 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
2 whole eggs and 6 egg yolks, beaten together
Handful of chopped parsley
2 scant cups grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground pepper and nutmeg to taste
Mix ingredients in large bowl and refrigerate until needed.
TOMATO SAUCE
58 ounces canned whole tomatoes packed in juice
4 cloves peeled and split garlic
1 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Pass tomatoes through a food mill to remove seeds. Heat oil in a non-reactive pan and add the garlic; saute until nut brown. Add tomatoes and simmer vigorously for 10 minutes. Remove garlic and spice to taste.
Fresh Egg Pasta
3 cups flour
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces water
Drizzle olive oil
Add flour, beaten eggs, oil and salt into bowl of food processor. Pulse several times. Drizzle in an ounce or 2 of water while pulsing processor until ingredients bind into small pearls of pasta.
Remove pearls from bowl. Knead pasta for several minutes with the palm of your hand until it is as soft as a baby's bottom. Wrap in a clean dish towel.
Roll out 4 18-inch pasta sheets until you get to the thinnest setting of your machine. Then roll out 14 10-inch sheets. (Tip: "If you can see your hand through it,

Steps:

  • LASAGNA ASSEMBLY 1 buttered 15-by-10-by-2-inch Pyrex baking dish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Carefully place 1 18-inch pasta sheet in the boiling water, folding it in so it does not stick to itself (Tip: Viladas lowers it gently and slowly.) Boil 2 minutes. Remove from water using strainer insert, shock it in a bowl of cold water to stop further cooking, carefully lay it flat on the dish towel and pat dry with paper towels. Lay the sheet into 1 side of the Pyrex dish, letting pasta hang off either end about 2 inches, and about 1/2 inch over the side. Repeat this step twice using the other 2 sheets of pasta, laying 1 sheet in the middle of the dish and the last sheet on the other side. (The middle sheet should overlap the others by an inch or 2.) You are creating the bottom and wraparound layer of the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over this first layer of pasta. Boil 2 10-inch sheets of pasta, pat dry, and place these side by side Spread half the ricotta mix evenly over the pasta layer, Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, pat dry, layer Cover pasta layer with half the béchamel sauce. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, pat dry, layer Cover this layer with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Layer with rest of ricotta mix. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Cover with rest of béchamel. Boil 2 more 10-inch pasta sheets, Cover with thin layer of marinara. Top with last 2 layers of pasta sheets. Fold the overhanging pasta layer over the top pasta Top with 1/4-inch layer of marinara sauce and 1 more layer of pasta on top. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and let lasagna come to room temperature, or refrigerate for 3 or more hours until you are about 1 hour away from serving. .Heat remaining marinara on the stovetop. Place each piece on a plate and spoon a little marinara over the top, garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better the lasagna will taste. Whenever possible, use homemade pasta, fresh vegetables, and high-quality cheese.
  • Don't overcook the noodles. The noodles should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook them, they will become mushy and ruin the lasagna.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. A combination of cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, will give the lasagna a rich and flavorful taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make lasagna. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.
  • Let the lasagna rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to set. For the best results, let the lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a lasagna that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give lasagna a try. You won't be disappointed!

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