Classic Lasagna Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well.
5. Add sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in fresh parsley just before removing the sauce from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
4. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Top with 1 and 1/2 cups of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce) two more times.
6. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this classic lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

Enjoy this comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week!