Print

The Best Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe

A thick, multi-layered slice of classic lasagna with rich meat sauce and melted cheese.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the ultimate comfort food with this classic homemade lasagna recipe. It features rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, tender pasta, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe delivers the satisfying, hearty flavor you expect from the best baked pasta dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This builds the rich meat sauce flavor.
  5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and fresh parsley. Mix well.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and another layer of sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set for cleaner servings.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground veal or use Italian sausage only.
  • You can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble the entire lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you want a saucier lasagna, add one cup of water or beef broth to the meat sauce mixture before simmering.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/best-homemade-classic-lasagna-recipe/