Lasagna Classic

Lasagna is one of the most iconic Italian-American comfort foods, loved worldwide for its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Classic Lasagna is more than just a meal — it’s a culinary experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms both the body and soul.

Each bite offers a perfect balance: the savory, slow-simmered meat sauce pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and tender sheets of pasta, all topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella. Making lasagna from scratch is easier than it seems, and the results are infinitely rewarding.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this lasagna recipe because it’s comfort in a pan. The combination of a rich, flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and indulgent.

The aroma alone — garlic, onions, herbs, and simmering tomato sauce — makes the kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria. I also love how this recipe is versatile: you can adjust the layers, add vegetables, or swap meats while keeping the classic flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Hearty and filling: Perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for days.
• Layered flavors: Rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella create a taste explosion.
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves it.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
• Iconic comfort food: There’s nothing quite like a classic lasagna for a special meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30–40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings
• Calories: ~450–500 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12–15 lasagna noodles (uncooked or no-boil)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare the meat sauce by browning the meats and simmering with tomatoes and spices.
2. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley for the cheese layer.
3. Boil lasagna noodles if using regular noodles.
4. Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Reduce heat and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

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

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if using regular noodles)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.

(Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.)

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
5. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup meat sauce on top.
6. Repeat layers twice more, ending with noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray foil lightly with cooking spray).
2. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
3. Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to set the layers.

How to Serve

• Serve slices hot with a side of garlic bread or green salad.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top for garnish.
• Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for a classic Italian dinner experience.

Recipe Tips

• Simmer sauce low and slow: This enhances flavor and richness.
• Don’t overfill layers: Too much sauce can make lasagna watery.
• Rest before slicing: Helps layers hold together.
• Use a mix of cheeses: Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor.
• Make ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake the next day.

Variations

1. Vegetable Lasagna: Replace meat with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and eggplant.
2. White Chicken Lasagna: Use cooked chicken, béchamel sauce, and spinach instead of tomato sauce.
3. Spicy Italian Lasagna: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick.
4. Seafood Lasagna: Combine cooked shrimp, crab, or scallops with a creamy white sauce.
5. Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced zucchini as layers.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven or microwave until hot.

To Freeze:

• Assemble lasagna in a freezer-safe dish.
• Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60–70 minutes, covered with foil for the first 45 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil
• Pot for noodles (if not using no-boil)
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food — a labor of love that rewards with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or meal prepping, it’s a dish that embodies warmth, tradition, and indulgence.

From the first golden, cheesy bite to the last, this lasagna is pure, hearty satisfaction — a true classic you’ll want to make again and again.