Lasagna Recipe
Dive into the world of comforting Italian food with this Lasagna Recipe, where layers of tender noodles, rich meaty sauce, and gooey cheese create a show-stopping meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s everything you adore about homemade lasagna: savory, hearty, bubbling with flavor, and perfect for family gatherings or making any weeknight extra special. This tried-and-true Lasagna Recipe isn’t just about feeding a crowd; it’s about warming hearts and making memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lasagna Recipe is that it’s built on everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that iconic Italian flavor and irresistible texture. Let’s break down what you need and why it matters for your best-ever lasagna.
- Lasagna noodles: Go for traditional lasagna noodles for sturdy layers that hold everything together beautifully.
- Ground beef: Adds deep, meaty flavor and richness to the sauce—80/20 is a great balance for taste and texture.
- Italian sausage: Brings savory spices and a little zest, making each bite much more exciting.
- Onion: Fresh, diced onion mellows and sweetens the sauce as it cooks.
- Garlic: Key for that unmistakable classic Italian aroma and depth.
- Crushed tomatoes: The foundation for a luscious, robust sauce that binds it all together.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Dried basil: This herb gives the sauce that fresh Italian taste everyone recognizes.
- Dried oregano: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that rounds out the sauce flavor.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors in the sauce and cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, sharp kick that livens up the whole dish.
- Red pepper flakes: (optional) For a bit of background heat that you can easily control.
- Ricotta cheese: Contributes creamy richness for that classic, luscious middle layer.
- Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, helping it stay perfectly set between the noodles.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and golden top when baked.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers those gorgeous gooey, stringy cheese pulls.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens each layer for that finishing touch.
- Olive oil: Use for sautéing—the foundation of great Italian cooking.
How to Make Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re al dente, immediately drain them and lay the noodles flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to stop them from sticking together—this little step makes assembling your Lasagna Recipe so much easier later on!
Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce
Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion, browning the meat and breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once it’s deeply golden and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute. Now, pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Lower the heat, let everything bubble gently for 20 minutes, and savor that incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend together your ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. This step guarantees each bite of your Lasagna Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The egg helps set the cheese, while Parmesan and parsley boost the taste and give you that real Italian touch.
Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna Recipe
Now for the fun part: assembling those magical layers! Spread about 1 cup of your simmered sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish (this prevents sticking and keeps the noodles moist). Arrange 4 noodles across the sauce, followed by a third of the ricotta mixture, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, and another layer of sauce. Repeat this process twice, so you end up with three full layers, always finishing with sauce and extra mozzarella on top for maximum melt and sizzle.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your beautiful creation with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is irresistibly golden, melty, and starting to bubble around the edges. Let your lasagna rest out of the oven for 15 minutes before slicing—this crucial pause helps the layers hold together for perfect servings.
How to Serve Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
For a special finish, fresh-chopped parsley, basil ribbons, or just an extra dusting of Parmesan all work wonders. These touches brighten up the Lasagna Recipe and make it feel restaurant-quality at home!
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette, or some classic garlic bread fresh from the oven, are unbeatable pairs with lasagna. The lightness of the salad contrasts perfectly with the hearty layers, while the bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your lasagna into generous squares and fan them out on a big platter, drizzle pesto or balsamic glaze over each piece for a flavor boost, or serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for that wow factor. This Lasagna Recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite presentation ideas—get as creative as you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Properly stored in the fridge, your Lasagna Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it terrific for meal prep.
Freezing
Lasagna freezes beautifully! For the ultimate convenience, freeze whole or sliced portions (wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil) for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your lasagna and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 25-30 minutes). For a quick fix, individual slices can be microwaved—just cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Either way, this Lasagna Recipe tastes just as good the next day!
FAQs
How can I make this Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. These veggies add a lovely earthy flavor and satisfying texture that stands up deliciously in your lasagna layers.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble your Lasagna Recipe a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven (adding an extra few minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge) and enjoy super convenient, worry-free hosting.
What’s the best cheese to use in lasagna?
A combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan is classic, delivering creaminess, melt, and savory depth. If you like, you can experiment with adding provolone or fontina for extra flavor and wonderful gooeyness.
Why do you let lasagna rest before slicing?
Resting is essential because it allows the layers to set and makes slicing so much cleaner—no more slipping, sliding noodles. Your patience will be rewarded with perfect, neat squares every time!
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese offers a lighter texture and a similar flavor profile. Just drain any extra liquid before mixing with egg and herbs to keep your layers from getting watery.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or simply craving classic comfort, this Lasagna Recipe is pure happiness in a pan. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and get ready for rave reviews around your table!
Print
Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus resting time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and hearty lasagna recipe that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Additional:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until browned. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the lasagna ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
