Classic Lasagna

Few dishes are as comforting and universally loved as a classic lasagna. Layers of tender pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese create a meal that’s both hearty and soul-satisfying. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply crave that ultimate comfort food.

What makes this lasagna special is its balance of textures and flavors: the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta filling, the tender pasta, and the perfectly melted mozzarella and parmesan topping. Each bite is a rich combination of Italian flavors, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is absolutely irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a classic for a reason. Every layer is thoughtfully constructed to create a harmonious dish that satisfies every craving — cheesy, meaty, and saucy all at once. The preparation is straightforward, and the results are restaurant-quality without needing hours in the kitchen.

It’s also versatile and forgiving: you can add extra vegetables, swap meats, or make it ahead of time. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Classic Lasagna is a must-try because:

• It’s the ultimate comfort food for all ages.
• It can be made ahead and baked fresh, saving time on busy days.
• Every bite brings layers of flavor — tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese.
• It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or special family meals.

If you love Italian cuisine and crave a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, this lasagna will quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20–30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~450–500 per serving (depending on ingredients)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra grated Parmesan for topping

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until meat is browned and onions are soft.
2. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

1. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
2. If using no-boil noodles, ensure your sauce has enough moisture for them to cook properly.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
5. Add 1 cup of meat sauce and sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers twice more (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella).
7. Finish with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil (to prevent cheese from sticking, spray foil lightly with cooking spray).
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
3. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

How to Serve

Serve slices warm, accompanied by:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables

It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor.
• Let lasagna rest after baking; it slices cleaner and holds together better.
• No-boil noodles save time and reduce prep steps.
• Use fresh herbs for more aromatic flavor.
• For extra richness, add a layer of béchamel sauce over ricotta before baking.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
2. White Chicken Lasagna: Use cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, spinach, and ricotta instead of tomato-based sauce.
3. Mexican Lasagna: Layer with seasoned taco meat, black beans, salsa, and cheddar cheese.
4. Seafood Lasagna: Use shrimp or crab with creamy white sauce and spinach.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices as noodle substitute.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap; store for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Lasagna freezes well, either baked or unbaked:
  • Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding ~20 minutes to cook time.

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F covered for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Individual slices, 2–3 minutes, depending on microwave strength.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Aluminum foil
• Pasta pot (if using traditional noodles)

Conclusion

This Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food: layered with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a go-to meal that impresses with flavor, aroma, and heartwarming satisfaction every time.