Lasagna Recipe - Rich, Cheesy & Delicious

Hey there! There's nothing quite like a homemade lasagna, right? This lasagna recipe features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and irresistibly creamy cheese filling 😋. It brings together all the traditional, authentic Italian flavors we love, yet it's surprisingly easy to make! Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe will have you serving up restaurant-quality lasagna straight from your own kitchen 🍝. Enjoy every bite!

Why You'll Love This Lasagna Recipe

This lasagna recipe combines ground beef, fresh herbs, and three types of cheese for an unforgettable taste. The sauce simmers slowly to develop rich, deep flavors, while the ricotta mixture creates a creamy texture that makes every bite truly memorable. Whether you're cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe is easily adjustable to suit your needs.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 32 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

• Fresh basil for garnish
• 1 pound lasagna noodles
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
2. Cook until beef is browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
3. Add diced onions to the meat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and lay noodles flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assembly

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer as follows:
   • Lasagna noodles (overlapping slightly)
   • ⅓ of the ricotta mixture
   • ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce
   • ⅓ of the mozzarella
   • Sprinkle of Parmesan
4. Repeat layers twice more.
5. Cover with foil, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
3. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
   Brown the beef, then add onions, garlic, tomatoes, and tomato paste in a stainless steel pot .

2. Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
   Mix ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, and parsley in a glass bowl until smooth and homogenous.

3. Step 3:Cook the Pasta
   Boil salted water, cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Step 4: Assembly
   Layer lasagna noodles with meat sauce and cheese mixture, ready for baking.
   

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna recipe

• Don't overcook the noodles - they should be slightly firm as they'll continue cooking in the oven.
• Let your sauce simmer longer for deeper flavor - up to 2-3 hours if time allows.
• Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• Always let the lasagna rest before cutting - this helps it hold its shape.

Recipe Variations

• Spinach Lasagna recipe: Add 2 cups of chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition.
• Bechamel Version: Replace ricotta mixture with homemade bechamel sauce for authentic lasagna bolognese.
• Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for beef to make it lighter.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

Equipment Needed

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large pot for sauce
• Large pot for cooking noodles
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through

FAQ

Classic Family Favorite Lasagna Recipe

Hey there! This classic lasagna recipe is sure to become a family favorite ❤️. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's both comforting and impressive. Whether you're new to making lasagna or looking to perfect your technique, this recipe guarantees consistent, delicious results every time 😋.

Give it a try and drop a comment below to let us know how it turns out! If you're in the mood for more dinner meal prep ideas, check out our Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Chicken 🍝. And don’t miss our Creamy Steak and Pasta Recipe for another hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy cooking!

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Lasagna Recipe:

Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Rich, cheesy homemade lasagna with layers of tender pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and three types of cheese. A classic Italian comfort food perfect for family dinners.

Print Pin Rate

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Classic lasagna recipe, Easy lasagna recipe, Italian lasagna recipe, lasagna recipe

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 385kcal

Cost: $25-30

Equipment

• baking dish (or lasagna pan)
• Large pot for sauce (5-6 quart)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Box grater for cheese
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or serving spoon

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz 2 cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Filling

• 32 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Assembly

• 1 pound lasagna noodles
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Make Meat Sauce

• Brown beef in large pot (8-10 mins)
• Add onions, cook 5 mins
• Add garlic, cook 1 min
• Add tomatoes and seasonings
• Simmer 30-40 mins

Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Combine ricotta, eggs, Parmesan
• Add parsley, salt, pepper
• Mix well and refrigerate

Cook Pasta

• Boil noodles until al dente
• Drain and lay flat

Assemble

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Layer: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella
• Repeat 3 times
• Top with Parmesan

Bake

• Cover with foil
• Bake 25 mins covered
• Uncover, bake 25 mins more
• Rest 15-20 mins before serving

Notes

• Let rest 15-20 minutes before cutting
• Can be made 24 hours ahead
• Freezes well up to 3 months
• Use whole milk ricotta for best results

Nutrition

Serving: 230g | Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 855IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 320mg | Iron: 3mg