Classic Italian Lasagna

There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting layers of a Classic Italian Lasagna. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with the most delicious, mouth-watering aroma, instantly making everyone feel at home. Imagine that perfect balance of savory beef, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce all sandwiched between tender sheets of pasta. This is the dish that brings people together—whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this lasagna, it’ll become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive in and make a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Classic Italian Lasagna

Ultimate Comfort Food

Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food—it’s hearty, filling, and has that perfect blend of flavors that warms you up from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a pan. Every bite is a combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, and rich tomato sauce. It’s so satisfying!

Layers of Deliciousness

What makes lasagna so special? The layers! From the pasta to the filling, each layer adds its own little bit of magic. The creamy ricotta, the zesty tomato sauce, the melty mozzarella—each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. Plus, you get to build it yourself, so it’s fun to make.

Family-Friendly

Lasagna is a dish that everyone loves—kids, adults, and even picky eaters can’t resist this classic comfort food. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and if you’re serving a big group, you can bet there will be no leftovers.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Lasagna is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble the layers and let it sit in the fridge for a day or even freeze it for later. That means you can prepare this dish when you have time and then bake it when you’re ready for a hot, hearty meal!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Classic Italian Lasagna:

For the Meat Sauce:

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the sauce, providing rich flavor and texture.
• Italian Sausage: Adds extra flavor and that authentic Italian twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, go for hot Italian sausage.
• Onion: For that savory base flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce. This will create that rich, tangy tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: To thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce a smooth consistency and balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: The classic herbs that give your sauce an authentic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Ricotta Filling:

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, fluffy ricotta adds richness and texture to the filling.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta together and gives it a silky smooth texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta filling.

For Assembly:

• Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles, cooked al dente.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty, gooey layer that everyone loves.
• Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish and an extra pop of flavor!

(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this Classic Italian Lasagna that will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian trattoria!

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add dried oregano and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and thicken.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling

While the sauce is simmering, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl. Stir until everything is combined and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

3. Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the noodles and set them aside. If you’re using no-boil noodles, simply skip this step.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta filling, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Classic Italian Lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh basil and some crusty garlic bread on the side. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty, saucy bite!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown of Classic Italian Lasagna (assuming the recipe makes 8 servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 10% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 15% DV
• Potassium: 400mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Classic Italian Lasagna

This Classic Italian Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great ideas to round it out:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t have lasagna without some warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up that delicious sauce.
• Green Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or brussels sprouts make a perfect side to balance out the meal.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh Basil for a burst of freshness.
• Grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes for a little heat, if you like things spicy.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: Lasagna is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes wonderfully. Assemble it and freeze it before baking, then bake it from frozen (just add extra time in the oven).
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use roasted vegetables or a mixture of spinach and mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian version.
• Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or even a layer of ricotta on top for a creamier finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. The sauce will still be flavorful and delicious.

Q2: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A2: Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great option to save time. Just make sure to cover the lasagna while baking to ensure the noodles cook through.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Q5: Can I freeze lasagna?
A5: Yes! Lasagna freezes beautifully. Simply cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
A6: Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different flavor and texture.

Q7: How can I make this lasagna spicier?
A7: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular sausage for a bit of heat.

Q8: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A8: Yes! If you have fresh basil and oregano, use about 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs for every 1 tablespoon of dried herbs.

Q9: How do I reheat leftover lasagna?
A9: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or cover the entire lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.

Conclusion

There’s no denying it: Classic Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe will become your new favorite way to make it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, cheesy dish, this lasagna is guaranteed to deliver. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a dish that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and your heart with happiness. Enjoy!

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