lasagna

Here’s a classic recipe for homemade lasagna that layers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your dish)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

3. Mix the Cheese: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

4. Boil the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Lasagna:

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Bake the Lasagna:

7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.

Enjoy!

Serve your classic lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the layers of flavor and comfort in every bite!