Layers of rich, bubbling cheese and savory meat dance together in this mouthwatering classic lasagna recipe that brings comfort straight to your dinner table.
Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved Italian dish, creating a culinary masterpiece that never goes out of style.
Tender pasta sheets nestle between robust marinara sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef, forming a symphony of flavors.
Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that warm the soul.
The melted mozzarella forms golden, crispy edges that beckon you closer with their irresistible aroma.
Baked to golden perfection, this lasagna stands as a testament to simple, hearty cooking that connects us through shared meals.
Get ready to savor every delicious bite of this timeless classic that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.
Ingredient List for Classic Lasagna
For Meat Base:
Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein punch for the lasagna's foundation, choose lean cuts for less grease.
Italian Sausage: Adds depth and spicy undertones, select fresh sausage with robust seasoning for maximum taste impact.
For Creamy Cheese Mixture:
Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers silky smooth texture and melty goodness, look for fresh, high-quality dairy products.
Spatula: Great for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.
Aluminum foil: Covers lasagna during initial baking.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with foil.
Knife: Useful for cutting and serving lasagna.
How to Assemble Classic Lasagna the Way
Layered Pasta Paradise
Oven Preparation Warm up your kitchen companion to create the perfect cooking environment.
Meat Melody Brown the ground beef and sausage in a sizzling skillet, letting the flavors dance and mingle. Drain any excess fat and introduce minced garlic and spaghetti sauce for a rich, aromatic base.
Cheese Symphony Blend ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper into a creamy masterpiece that will hold your lasagna together.
Foundation Layer Spread a blanket of sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, then create the first layer with uncooked pasta sheets.
Flavor Stacking Alternate between cheese mixture and sauce, building delicious layers that promise a taste explosion in every bite.
Crowning Glory Top the final layer with a generous sprinkle of cheese and a cascade of remaining sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water around the edges.
Baking Magic Cover with foil and let the oven work its transformative powers. Start with a cozy covered bake, then unveil for a golden finish.
Resting Period Allow your culinary creation to settle and collect its thoughts for a few minutes before serving, ensuring perfect slicing and maximum flavor melding.
Tips for Extra Saucy or Cheesy Lasagna
Swap ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, lamb, or a blend of meats for unique flavor profiles and healthier options.
Prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves time during busy evenings.
Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms between layers to add nutrition and create a more complex taste experience.
Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese to elevate the traditional mozzarella and Parmesan blend.
Replace traditional pasta with zucchini slices or gluten-free lasagna noodles for a diet-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.
Serving Lasagna for Any Occasion
Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
Wine Pairing Delight: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the lasagna and enhance your dining experience.
Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or Italian breadsticks on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy lasagna layers.
Veggie Side Harmony: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs to create a colorful and nutritious accompaniment that brings more depth to the meal.
Lasagna Storage for Freezing or Reheating
Fridge Fresh Storage: Wrap leftover lasagna tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days without losing flavor or texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop directly into the oven when ready to cook. Perfect for busy family meal prep.
Freezer Friendly Portions: Slice cooled lasagna into individual servings. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen lasagna maintains top quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Success: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm individual slices in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. For larger portions, reheat in a 350ºF oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Hearty classic lasagna celebrates layers of rich Italian tradition with savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Generous portions invite comfort and satisfaction for family gatherings and weekend meals.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb ground beef
0.5 lb sweet Italian sausage
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups (750 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
0.75 cup (180 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
48 oz spaghetti sauce
12 lasagna noodles
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsps dried parsley
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground pepper
0.25 cup (60 ml) water (optional)
Instructions
Preparation: Coat a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete and even coverage.
Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat. Add minced garlic and spaghetti sauce, simmering for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, blend ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Initial Layering: Spread a thin sauce base in the baking pan, then arrange the first layer of uncooked lasagna noodles to completely cover the sauce.
Cheese and Sauce Distribution: Layer one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a quarter of the meat sauce. Repeat this process twice, building intricate flavor layers.
Final Topping: Complete the lasagna with a final noodle sheet, topped with remaining sauce, reserved mozzarella, and Parmesan. If sauce appears dense, add water around the dish’s edges to maintain moisture.
Baking Process: Cover with lightly sprayed aluminum foil and bake at the specified temperature for 50 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crisp.
Serving Preparation: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the structure to set before serving.
Notes
Meat Selection: Choose a mix of ground beef and sausage for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate traditional lasagna.
Moisture Management: Add a small amount of water around dish edges if sauce seems too thick, preventing dry or burnt edges during baking.
Cheese Mixing Technique: Blend cheese ingredients thoroughly but gently to ensure even distribution without overmixing, which can create a dense texture.
Resting Period: Let lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to fully integrate, ensuring cleaner slices and enhanced taste.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.