If you’re looking for a classic lasagna recipe that’s simple to follow and delicious every time, you’ve come to the right place. A great lasagna starts with a rich homemade meat sauce, layers of tender pasta, and plenty of melty cheese like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. This combination creates a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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You don’t need to be a cooking expert to make this lasagna recipe either. With a few easy steps, you can put together a lasagna that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Whether you want to make it ahead of time or freeze leftovers, this recipe is flexible and sure to please. Your kitchen will be filled with amazing smells, and your table will bring everyone together.
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How to Make Classic Lasagna
Making lasagna means choosing the right ingredients, preparing your layers carefully, and baking everything perfectly. You’ll need good-quality meat, cheese, noodles, and sauces. Knowing how to layer these and how long to bake will help you get a tasty lasagna with gooey cheese and rich sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
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In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese, and then more sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips for Layering and Assembly
Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to stop noodles from sticking. Then add noodles, followed by more sauce, dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Repeat these layers 3 to 4 times. Make sure each layer is even but not too thick. Finish with a good top layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese to get a golden crust.
Oven Baking Techniques
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to brown the cheese.
Let the lasagna rest outside the oven for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together and makes serving easier.
Serving and Storing Lasagna
Serving this lasagna recipe with the right sides can make your meal more balanced and tasty. When you have leftovers, it’s important to store them safely to keep them fresh. You can also prepare and freeze this lasagna recipe ahead of time, and knowing how to reheat it properly helps keep the flavors and texture just right.
Recommended Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with simple, fresh sides to lighten the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the rich lasagna.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well if you want something warm and crunchy. For vegetables, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are easy and healthy options that won’t overpower your dish.
You can also serve a small bowl of soup, like minestrone or tomato basil, before the lasagna. This makes the meal feel complete without adding too many heavy flavors.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Advice
To save time, prepare your lasagna a day or two before cooking. Assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge. This lets the flavors blend and can make baking easier.
If you want to freeze your lasagna, do this before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to cook frozen lasagna, bake it covered with foil at 375°F (190°C). This helps it heat evenly without drying out. Remove the foil at the end for a golden top.
Reheating Leftovers Safely
Let your leftover lasagna cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge, and try to eat it within four days.
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, usually around 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it, but cover it to keep moisture in and heat it in short bursts.
Make sure the lasagna reaches 165°F (74°C) throughout to be safe to eat. Avoid reheating more than once to keep it fresh and safe.
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