Description
This Best Classic Lasagna is a symphony of flavors, featuring layers of rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella that melt together in perfect harmony. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the tender pasta sheets to the luscious cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: main-dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the lasagna)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Best Classic Lasagna, Cheesy Lasagna, Italian Comfort Food, Homemade Lasagna, Meat Lasagna, Layered Pasta Dish, Family Dinner Recipe, Classic Italian Recipe, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Easy Lasagna Recipe, Crowd-Pleasing Lasagna, Rich and Creamy Lasagna