Lasagna
Here is a classic, hearty, traditional Lasagna recipe — layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. Reliable, delicious, and perfect for family dinners or freezing ahead!
Classic Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24–28 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt, more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp dried (optional)
For the Cheese Layer
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (or fresh)
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
-
1. Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large pot or skillet, cook ground beef + sausage until browned. - Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Simmer 15–20 minutes (longer if you have time—deeper flavor!).
2. Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, combine:
- Ricotta
- Egg
- Parmesan
- Parsley
- Mix until smooth.
- 3. Cook Noodles (If Not Oven-Ready)
Boil according to package directions. - Drain and lay flat on parchment so they don’t stick.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of noodles.
- Spread ⅓ of ricotta mixture.
- Add meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella.
- Repeat three layers total:
- Noodles → Ricotta → Meat Sauce → Mozzarella
- Finish with:
- Meat sauce
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
5. Bake
- Cover with foil (tent slightly so cheese doesn’t stick).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before cutting (important for clean slices).
