This Classic Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese between tender pasta sheets. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish that’s well worth the wait.
Personal Story & Background:
Lasagna has always been a staple in my family, a dish reserved for birthdays, Sunday dinners, and special gatherings. The smell of bubbling marinara and melted cheese always brings back warm memories of sitting around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Over the years, I’ve perfected this version, balancing a flavorful meat sauce, a rich ricotta filling, and the perfect cheese blend to create a lasagna that’s indulgent but not overwhelming. While many variations exist, this classic version remains my favorite for its deep flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lasagna Noodles – Traditional noodles that need boiling or oven-ready noodles for convenience.
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage – The combination creates a rich, savory meat sauce with extra depth of flavor.
- Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics that enhance the sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – The base of the marinara sauce, providing the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato Paste – Intensifies the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper – Classic herbs and spices that bring out the best in the sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese – The creamy, slightly tangy filling that complements the meat sauce.
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture, giving it a firm but creamy texture.
- Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese – Parmesan for bold flavor, mozzarella for meltiness.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – Adds a fresh finish to the dish.
Substitutions:
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier twist.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and fresh basil or parsley. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let it rest before cutting – This allows the layers to set and prevents a messy slice.
- Use quality cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better than pre-shredded.
- Simmer the sauce longer – The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor becomes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble and freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 60-70 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! They save time and absorb the sauce well, making the lasagna extra flavorful.
What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat, simmer the sauce long enough, and let the lasagna rest before slicing.
Conclusion:
Classic Homemade Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings people together with its rich layers of flavor and comforting warmth. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
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Classic Homemade Lasagna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (adjusted from 8) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese between tender pasta sheets. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and fresh basil or parsley. Stir until well combined.
-
Cook the Lasagna Noodles (If Needed):
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake Until Golden:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60-70 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Substitutions:
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier twist.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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