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Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna Recipe

This Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese, all baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this hearty Italian-inspired dish is packed with flavor and sure to become a favorite at your table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Chill (Rest) Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound 450 g lean ground beef
  • ½ pound 225 g Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces 425 g ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
  • 12 lasagna noodles regular or oven-ready
  • 2 –3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Large skillet (if not using a Dutch oven)
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large stockpot (for boiling noodles)
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooking spray or olive oil
  • Ladle
  • Offset spatula or spoon for spreading layers

Method
 

Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart while cooking until browned.
  5. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer over low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Cook the Noodles
  1. Boil regular lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
  3. Lay noodles flat to prevent sticking.
  4. Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.
Assemble the Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
  4. Add a layer of noodles.
  5. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
  6. Add a layer of meat sauce.
  7. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
  8. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
  9. Finish with meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
Bake
  1. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake for 45 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove from the oven.
  2. Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Simmering the meat sauce for at least 45 minutes creates a deeper, richer flavor.
Freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Let the lasagna rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to help the layers hold together.
Oven-ready noodles save preparation time and work well when there is sufficient sauce.
Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months before or after baking.
For extra flavor, mix a little grated Parmesan into every cheese layer.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious vegetable variation.
Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or homemade dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.