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Classic Lasagna Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe
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Classic Lasagna Recipe featuring layers of rich tomato meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta sheets. This hearty Italian comfort food is perfect for family dinners, parties, and meal prep. Easy to customize for dietary preferences and make-ahead cooking, it delivers authentic flavors and warming satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Assembly

  • 9–12 no-boil or pre-cooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
  2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a creamy, binding cheese layer.
  3. Prepare the Pasta Sheets: If using no-boil noodles, you can use them directly. Otherwise, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay out on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer noodles over sauce, add dollops of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, then repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making slicing easier and servings neat.

Notes

  • Allow the meat sauce to simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavor.
  • Drain excess liquid from ricotta cheese to prevent watery lasagna.
  • Spread sauces evenly to avoid dry spots and ensure moist layers.
  • Use foil to cover while baking to retain moisture, removing it at the end to brown cheese.
  • Rest the lasagna after baking to help flavors meld and slicing ease.

Nutrition

Keywords: Classic Lasagna, Italian Lasagna, Homemade Lasagna, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Ricotta Lasagna, Meat Sauce Lasagna

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/classic-lasagna-recipe/