Few dishes are as universally loved as lasagna, the epitome of Italian comfort food. Layered with tender pasta sheets, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, lasagna offers a harmony of flavors and textures that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty, homemade meal, this Classic Lasagna Recipe is guaranteed to delight and impress.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 🍅 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍖 1 pound ground beef
- 🍖 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🍅 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 🍅 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 🍅 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 🌿 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌱 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 🧀 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 🍝 12 lasagna noodles
- 🧀 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop deep flavors.
2️⃣ Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the ricotta layer.
- Add another layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella/Parmesan, and sauce) two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5️⃣ Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a side of garlic bread or salad.
- Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish with family and friends!
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and good cheeses for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking in the oven and hold their structure better.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking ensures cleaner slices and prevents it from falling apart.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
This Classic Lasagna Recipe is a timeless Italian favorite that combines the perfect balance of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or savoring leftovers, this dish brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Follow this recipe for a foolproof lasagna that will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen repertoire. Mangia!
Read more : Italian-Style Meatloaf: A Heartwarming and Delicious Culinary Masterpiece