If there’s one dish that truly brings everyone together around the dinner table, it’s Classic Lasagna. With its rich, meaty sauce, velvety ricotta, and mountains of bubbling cheese, this timeless favorite is pure comfort in every forkful. Layers of tender noodles absorb all the incredible flavors, making each bite memorable. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a cozy night at home, Classic Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the kind of meal that has people asking for seconds—and maybe your secret recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredible meals start with simple ingredients, and Classic Lasagna is proof of that! Every component—from the meat to the cheese—plays a vital role, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in every slice.
- Lasagna Noodles: Choose traditional dried noodles for foolproof layering and hearty texture; cook until just shy of tender so they won’t over-soften in the oven.
- Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and structure to the sauce, making the dish extra satisfying.
- Italian Sausage: Infuses the sauce with bold spices and a little heat—removing the casings lets it blend seamlessly with the beef.
- Onion: Diced onion gives a mellow sweetness and depth to the sauce that can’t be beat.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: This forms the sauce’s chunky, tangy base for that quintessential lasagna taste.
- Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor, thickening the sauce for beautifully layered slices.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness and rounds out the tomato flavor profile.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Dried Basil: Classic herb that lends a lovely, subtly sweet aroma.
- Dried Oregano: Earthy and fragrant, it’s essential for authentic Italian seasoning.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Brings out the best in every ingredient and fine-tunes the flavors to perfection.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates that luscious, velvety layer between noodles.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so your layers hold together deliciously.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds brightness and color, balancing all the savory notes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy bliss—be generous!
- Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that adds sharpness and an irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Classic Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), then heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion together, letting those flavors meld beautifully—this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once everything is golden and cooked through, drain off any extra fat if needed. Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and perfume the kitchen for just a minute. Add your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every so often. The result will be a thick, meaty sauce bursting with classic lasagna flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While your sauce is bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, but just until al dente. You want them sturdy enough to hold their shape. Drain them carefully, and arrange them in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet so they don’t stick together. This small step can make layering a breeze!
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese, large egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and evenly blended. This mixture adds a luxurious, velvety layer that contrasts beautifully with the meat sauce and gives every bite a mellow, satisfying richness.
Step 4: Layer the Classic Lasagna
In your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading one cup of the rich meat sauce over the bottom. Top with 3 or 4 noodles to cover the sauce, then spread one-third of your ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and a dusting of Parmesan. Repeat these layers two more times, building up your masterpiece! Finish with a final layer of noodles and the last of the sauce, then cover the top with all the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for maximum bubbly cheese appeal.
Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Cover your lasagna snugly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to keep everything moist. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling with mouthwatering anticipation. Let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing, which helps everything set for those perfect, photo-worthy servings.
How to Serve Classic Lasagna
Garnishes
Just before serving, add a shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. If you really want to treat your guests, a fine dusting of extra Parmesan never goes amiss—especially when it’s still warm and melty. A drizzle of good olive oil can also bring a lovely sheen and elevate the very top layer.
Side Dishes
Classic Lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy Italian dressing. Garlic bread is the obvious sidekick—something to mop up all that irresistible sauce! If you’re feeling fancy, try roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter for an Italian-style feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make classic lasagna the star of your next gathering, try baking and serving it in individual ramekins for personalized portions. For family style, let everyone dig in straight from the big dish at the table—bonus points if you serve each slice topped with a few fresh basil leaves or a spoonful of tangy tomato sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Lasagna stores like a dream, staying delicious for up to four days in the refrigerator. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers—this keeps everything as fresh and satisfying as the day you baked it. In fact, the flavors seem to deepen overnight, making leftover slices even more tempting.
Freezing
For long-term enjoyment, classic lasagna freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions in foil or plastic wrap and tuck them into freezer bags. It’ll keep for up to two months, making it a wonderful option for busy weeks or surprise guests. Just remember to label the date for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge if needed, then cover and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices—just add a splash of water or sauce and cover loosely with wax paper to keep them moist. Either way, you get piping hot, melty, irresistible classic lasagna every time.
FAQs
How do I keep my lasagna from becoming watery?
Be sure to simmer your sauce until it thickens properly, and use just-cooked, well-drained noodles. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also allows it to set up, minimizing excess moisture.
Can I make this classic lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef and sausage for your favorite sautéed vegetables (like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach) or plant-based meats. The flavors will still sing, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian option.
What’s the best way to cut neat slices?
Let your classic lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for the neatest layers and perfectly portioned slices.
Can I assemble lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance—just cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic way to free up time for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Why should I use both beef and sausage?
The combo brings amazing depth to the sauce: beef gives hearty flavor and texture, while Italian sausage adds extra spice and complexity. It’s the secret to truly unforgettable classic lasagna!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the joy of sharing a big, bubbling pan of classic lasagna with people you love. Whether it’s for a family celebration or just because you’re craving something hearty and homemade, this recipe is a treasure you’ll want to return to again and again. Grab your apron and get ready for some kitchen magic—your classic lasagna adventure starts now!
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Classic Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic lasagna recipe. Layers of perfectly cooked noodles, savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 small onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, sauce, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente; drain.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and grated cheeses in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Lasagna tastes even better the next day!
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
