The best Classic Homemade Lasagna

ByAchraf Debbouz

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!

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When 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 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.

Classic Homemade Lasagna
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Classic Homemade Lasagna

Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 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 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.
  • Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  • Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until 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 assemble this lasagna up to a day in advance 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.

  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 30g
  • : 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Nutrition (per serving):

Protein
Fat

30g

Carbohydrates

40g

Calories

560 kcal

Sodium

1100mg

Enjoy Your Meal

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