The best Classic Homemade Lasagna
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate Italian comfort dish, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese come together with perfectly cooked lasagna noodles to create a hearty, delicious meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this lasagna never fails to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen!
Jump to RecipeWhen did lasagna first appear in history?
Lasagna has its roots in Italy, dating back to ancient Rome. The dish evolved over centuries, with regional variations. The classic lasagna we know today, layered with pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, originated in the Emilia-Romagna region and became a symbol of Italian cuisine worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe:
This lasagna is a perfect balance of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta layers, and melted cheese on top, offering a heartwarming meal that’s ideal for gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth to the sauce, while the cheese mixture brings a creamy texture to every bite.
Related Recipes
- Simple Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe
- The Best Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Kale
- One of the best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
- The Best Creamy Chicken Alfredo: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Classic Homemade Lasagna
Course: Pasta RecipesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium8
servings30
minutes45
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Meat Sauce:
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
- For the Cheese Layer:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Directions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Prepare the beef sauce: In a huge skillet over medium warmness, brown the ground red meat and Italian sausage. Once completely cooked, drain the extra fat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until gentle and aromatic. Stir in beaten tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for half-hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Begin assembling the lasagna while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), to ensure it’s ready for baking when the layers are complete.. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, dispose of the foil and bake for a further 15 mins, or till the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes:
- Make Ahead: You can collect this lasagna up to an afternoon earlier and refrigerate it. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezing Tips: This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the entire dish before baking or freeze individual portions after it’s cooked for quick meals later.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce for a vegetable-based sauce with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
Classic Homemade Lasagna
Nutrition (per serving):
30g
40g
560 kcal
1100mg
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
