Introduction
This Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines Italian flavors in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Layers:
9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) twice more, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Conclusion
This Classic Lasagna is a timeless recipe that brings together hearty flavors and a rich, cheesy texture.
It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Pair it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love!