Name: Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Warm, cheesy, and brimming with layers of rich flavor, Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food you’ll crave any night of the week. This Italian-American classic combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and a blanket of gooey mozzarella for a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you make it for a family gathering or just to treat yourself to leftovers all week, Lasagna is a celebration of bold flavors and familiar coziness that never gets old.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna is all about simple yet essential ingredients working together to create something magical. Each element, from the noodles to the cheese, brings its own character to the final casserole—don’t underestimate how each choice impacts the flavor and comfort of this traditional favorite.

Lasagna noodles: Classic wide pasta sheets that form the layers and structure of the dish; opt for traditional or no-boil based on your preference.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): The heart of the savory meat sauce—sausage adds spice, while beef keeps it classic.
Medium onion (diced): Brings a mild sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A burst of robust flavor that ties the whole sauce together.
Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): A shortcut to deep tomato flavor; choose your favorite brand for best results.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds extra moisture and body to the meat sauce layers.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Dried herbs like oregano and basil infuse classic Italian vibes.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and highlighting the flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of gentle heat.
Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and mild, it creates luxurious layers between the pasta and sauce.
Large egg: Binds the ricotta for a luscious, cohesive filling that won’t bake out.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for stretchy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty finish and golden crust to the top.
Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens up your final presentation and adds a hint of freshness.

How to Make Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, carefully drain and lay them flat on a kitchen towel so they don’t stick together. Prepping the noodles ahead makes layering the Lasagna a total breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage with diced onion. Sauté for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns and the onion softens. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to prevent your Lasagna from becoming greasy—you want every bite packed with flavor, not extra oil!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to your hot skillet and stir for just about a minute, allowing it to bloom and turn fragrant. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, the can of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This melds all the flavors together, giving the sauce a rich and savory depth that will make your Lasagna truly comforting.

Step 4: Mix The Ricotta Filling

In a separate medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and large egg, mixing thoroughly until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures the ricotta layers stay tender and enriches each bite with that classic Lasagna silkiness. If you like, toss in some chopped spinach here for an extra veggie boost—your secret weapon for sneaking in greens!

Step 5: Layer The Lasagna

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom—this prevents any sticking and starts the foundation flavorful. Lay down three noodles, cover with one-third of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella. Spoon over another layer of sauce and keep building—layering two more times—until you’ve used it all. Finish with a blanket of remaining mozzarella and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese for that golden crust everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes—that’s when the cheese gets delightfully melted and bubbly. Let your Lasagna rest out of the oven for about 10 minutes before slicing. This pause gives the layers time to set, so each piece comes out gorgeous and intact, no messy spills!

How to Serve Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch—its bright color and herbal note make every slice of Lasagna pop. You can also add a pinch of extra grated Parmesan or a small drizzle of good olive oil for an elevated touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few ribbons of fresh basil are always welcome.

Side Dishes

Lasagna truly shines as the star of the show, but it loves company! Serve each hearty square alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a cozy Italian feast. Don’t forget a warm loaf of garlic bread—perfect for mopping up any sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Ready to impress? Slice your Lasagna small and stack two pieces on a plate for a dramatic, chef-style presentation. For parties or potlucks, cut the cooled Lasagna into bite-size cubes and skewer each with a toothpick as fun, savory appetizers. Or, serve the first slice straight from the pan, family-style—sometimes the messiest servings are the most beloved!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Lasagna will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Each reheated piece will taste just as comforting as the first serving.

Freezing

Lasagna is a freezer hero! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover it snugly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just allow a little extra time for baking if it’s extra cold in the center.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Lasagna in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. If you’re only reheating a single piece, the microwave works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts. This keeps the cheese melty and the noodles tender, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef or sausage for your favorite meatless crumbles, roasted vegetables, or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms. Use a meatless marinara and prepare the rest as usual for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian Lasagna.

How do I keep my Lasagna from being watery?

Make sure to drain any excess fat from the meat and avoid over-saucing between layers. Letting the baked Lasagna rest before slicing also helps the layers set and prevents sauce from pooling on the plate.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes! No-boil noodles work well in this recipe—be sure your sauce has enough moisture, as these noodles need a little extra liquid to soften as they bake. They’re a great way to save time and effort.

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Let your Lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and a spatula to lift out servings—the set layers and melted cheese will stay together in perfect squares.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or even roasted bell peppers tuck beautifully into the layers and add extra color and nutrition. Just sauté any watery vegetables first to prevent excess moisture in your Lasagna.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a true classic, nothing compares to the comfort and satisfaction of a homemade Lasagna. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, promising warmth, nostalgia, and plenty of second helpings. Gather your favorite ingredients and give this recipe a try—it might just become your most-requested dinner!

Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This classic lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese. Baked to perfection and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this homemade lasagna is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles:

12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture:

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Make the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion in a skillet, then add garlic, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta cheese and egg in a bowl.
Assemble the lasagna: Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.