Classic Lasagna Recipe Recipe
This classic lasagna recipe is absolutely delectable! Made with a rich tomato-meat sauce, three kinds of cheeses, and savory Italian spices, it's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make the Best Classic Lasagna Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a homemade lasagna to bring people together. This classic lasagna recipe features a rich, savory meat sauce made with beef and pork, combined with three different cheeses to create those wonderful layers of flavor that make lasagna so irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is that it’s actually quite easy to make.
The key to a great lasagna is building layers with intention. You start with a flavorful meat sauce that’s been gently simmered with Italian spices, then layer it with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and melted mozzarella. Using oven-ready noodles can save time, or you can use traditional noodles boiled to al dente—either way, you’ll get those perfectly tender, delicious layers that make each slice a joy to eat.
This recipe yields a generous 9x13-inch lasagna that serves 12 people, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and celebrations. The cooking time is under two hours from start to finish, and the result is a showstopping dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Classic Lasagna Recipe
This classic lasagna recipe is absolutely delectable! Made with a rich tomato-meat sauce, three kinds of cheeses, and savory Italian spices, it's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
Meat Sauce
Cheese Filling
Garnish
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, pork, salt, pepper, oregano, sage, fennel, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until meat is browned.
- Add 3 cups marinara sauce and broth to the cooked meat. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. You should have 4½-5 cups of meat sauce. Taste and add 1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey if it tastes acidic.
Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Add 1½ cups mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan to the ricotta mixture and stir until combined. Set aside the remaining cheese for the top.
Assemble and Bake
- Spread 1 cup reserved marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then spread 1½ cups meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering sequence 2 more times, pressing down lightly with each layer.
- Place the last lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining reserved marinara over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with parchment paper and aluminum foil (foil should not touch the lasagna directly). Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes or until bubbling.
- Remove foil and parchment. Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until the cheese is golden. Optional: Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and brown (watch carefully).
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or ground lamb as a substitute for beef and pork.
- For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat substitute.
- Vegan ricotta can be substituted for dairy ricotta—if using tofu ricotta, omit the extra salt and egg.
- You can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
- The parchment paper prevents the foil from touching the cheese and affecting the taste.
- Freshly grate nutmeg if possible for the best flavor.
