Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Few dishes capture the comfort and joy of Italian cuisine quite like a Classic Lasagna. Layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese come together in this timeless recipe, creating a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This lasagna recipe combines a flavorful meat sauce with Italian herbs, creamy ricotta, and generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, resulting in a beautifully layered casserole that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Lasagna Recipe
This recipe elevates the familiar lasagna into a comforting and satisfying meal with rich Italian flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Layered Flavors and Textures: Each bite combines tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese for a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
- Easy to Prepare in Steps: The recipe is broken down into simple steps, making it easy to follow and prepare ahead of time if needed.
- A Meal for Gatherings and Families: This lasagna serves a crowd and is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for the meat sauce, and it’s easy to add your favorite herbs or spices.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to create a layered lasagna with a balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Browning the meat with onion and garlic infuses the sauce with a rich, savory base, and simmering with marinara, basil, and oregano adds layers of Italian-inspired flavor. The ricotta mixture, combined with egg and Parmesan, creates a creamy filling that holds the lasagna layers together while adding a satisfying richness. By topping the dish with mozzarella and Parmesan, the lasagna bakes to a bubbling, golden perfection that’s both comforting and visually appealing.
Ingredients
To make this delicious, classic lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles: The base for layering and structure.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory richness and a hearty texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for authentic Italian flavor.
- 4 cups marinara sauce: Provides the main tomato base for the lasagna.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds an herbal note that complements the marinara.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, cheesy taste.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey top layer.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Classic Lasagna
Follow these simple steps to make a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic lasagna:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure they don’t stick together. Cooking the noodles until al dente ensures they won’t become too soft after baking.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the sauce. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer
Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful ricotta layer that will add richness and texture to the lasagna.
6. Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
7. Add Additional Layers
Repeat the layering process: add another 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another layer of meat sauce, and more mozzarella. Finally, top with the last 4 noodles, the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy top layer.
8. Bake
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Removing the foil helps the cheese develop a beautiful, golden crust.
9. Let Rest and Garnish
Once the lasagna is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes to set. This makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time:
- Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: A flavorful marinara sauce enhances the dish. Opt for a brand with minimal additives for the best taste.
- Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Cooking the noodles just until al dente prevents them from becoming too soft after baking.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and ensuring each piece holds its shape.
- Add a Splash of Red Wine: For a deeper, richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
This classic lasagna is a filling meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides to create a well-rounded Italian feast:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the lasagna’s richness.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with arugula or mixed greens provides a fresh contrast to the lasagna’s hearty flavors.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Q: Can I freeze lasagna?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the lasagna as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. For a creamier texture, you can blend it slightly before using.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Q: Can I add other cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Provolone or fontina can be added for extra cheesiness. Simply layer it in with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Cover the lasagna with foil during the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to allow it to turn golden.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce. Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent a runny lasagna.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Cheese is a timeless recipe that brings comforting Italian flavors to your table. With layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna is easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal, and enjoy the rich, hearty taste of this classic dish.