Lasagna is a dish that brings everyone together, layered with love and comfort. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style.
Picture this: Your kitchen filled with the savory aroma of simmering marinara sauce and fresh herbs. This homemade lasagna recipe is your chance to impress while keeping things simple. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether you prefer a classic meat filling or a veggie-packed version.
The Best Classic Lasagna You’ll Ever Make
This lasagna is a hearty dish featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a blend of cheeses. It’s deliciously cheesy with a robust flavor that balances the sweetness of tomatoes and the depth of herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Then, add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, a layer of mozzarella, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
