Description
This Classic Italian Lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef tomato sauce, and a rich blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Simmered with herbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season Meat: Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Mix Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, the egg, and chopped fresh parsley until thoroughly mixed.
- First Sauce Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and provide flavor base.
- Layer Noodles and Cheese: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering with remaining meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned for a perfect finish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your classic Italian lasagna!
Notes
- Cook noodles slightly less than package directions to prevent overcooking during baking.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini.
- Covering the lasagna while baking prevents it from drying out and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving makes slicing cleaner and serving easier.