Description
Classic Italian Lasagna is a rich, layered dish featuring tender pasta sheets, savory ground beef and pork meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp parmesan. This comforting, authentic recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that satisfy and impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a pan until fragrant. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until fully browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, fresh or dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to create a creamy and flavorful mixture that will add moisture and balance to the layers.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella, and repeat these layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown beautifully. Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to set the layers.
Notes
- Prep ahead: Making the sauce a day in advance intensifies the flavors and saves cooking time.
- Don’t overcook noodles; keep them slightly firm as they soften during baking.
- Balance moisture by using enough sauce and cheese to avoid a soggy lasagna.
- Rest the lasagna after baking to help it set perfectly.
- Layer generously for rich, satisfying bites.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: classic lasagna, Italian lasagna, meat lasagna, baked lasagna, comfort food, lasagna recipe