Here’s a classic, hearty lasagna recipe with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese.
🍝 Classic Lasagna (Serves 8)
Ingredients
For the meat sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
For the cheese mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for layering)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Other ingredients
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook noodles
- If using regular noodles, boil according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a sheet to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make meat sauce
- In a large skillet, brown beef and onion over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
3️⃣ Prepare cheese mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
4️⃣ Assemble lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Repeat layers (2–3 layers total), finishing with meat sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil (avoid touching cheese) and bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Rest & serve
- Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before cutting to set the layers.
🔥 Tips
- For richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
- Mix sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the cheese layer for a veggie boost.
- Make-ahead: Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake 45–50 minutes next day.
I can also give a quick no-boil lasagna, white chicken lasagna, or vegetarian lasagna version if you want.
Do you want me to share one of those variations?
