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Classic Lasagna Recipe

This classic lasagna recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lasagna
  • 1 lb ground beef The hearty base of our delicious meat sauce.
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casing removed: Adds fantastic flavor and a touch of spice.
  • 1 small onion finely chopped: For sweetness and aromatic depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic minced: Because every good savory dish needs garlic!
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes The backbone of our rich sauce.
  • 2 6 oz cans tomato paste To thicken and intensify the tomato flavor.
  • 2 6.5 oz cans tomato sauce Adds more liquid and smooth tomato goodness.
  • 1/2 cup water To help the sauce simmer perfectly.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar A little sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves Essential for that classic Italian aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that brings it all together.
  • salt and pepper to taste: To season everything just right.
  • 12 lasagna noodles lasagna noodles cooked and drained: The foundation for each glorious layer.
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese For that creamy, dreamy cheesy layer.
  • 1 egg egg To bind the ricotta mixture beautifully.
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty, salty kick to the ricotta.
  • 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese For that gooey, melty, irresistible cheese pull!

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • medium bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are tender and translucent. Once it's all cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat. This little step makes a big difference in the final taste!
    Now, it's time to build that amazing sauce. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let this simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. I like to stir it every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. This slow simmer really allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
  2. Step 2: While your sauce is simmering, let's whip up the creamy ricotta filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all up until it’s well combined and smooth. This mixture will add such a lovely richness to every bite.
  3. Step 3: Now for the fun part – assembling the lasagna! Spread a thin layer of your delicious meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking. Next, lay down a layer of 4 cooked lasagna noodles. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta, followed by one-third of the meat sauce. You’ll repeat these layers two more times, making sure to finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top. It’s like building a delicious edible fortress!
  4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This helps to trap the steam and cook the noodles through. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. This allows the cheese to get beautifully bubbly and golden brown. Continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a lovely golden hue. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine!
  5. Step 5: This is arguably the hardest step, but it’s so important! Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve neat portions and preventing a messy plate. I know it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

Notes

Feel free to get creative with your lasagna! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the meat sauce. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a touch of heat.
Don't overcook the noodles. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered. You can assemble the lasagna the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Try to spread the ricotta mixture and sauce as evenly as possible.