Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Lasagna recipe: Capture_the_Lasagna_Recipe_on_a_clean_white_wooden

Lasagna Recipe

Here's a classic lasagna recipe that layers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of cheese between sheets of lasagna noodles. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, but you can adapt it to suit your taste.
Hit the Rating button
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 12

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large Pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil

For the Cheese Filling

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Make the Meat Sauce

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Optionally, add chopped fresh basil just before assembling the lasagna.

Make the Cheese Filling

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • .If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
  • Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with another layer of meat sauce.Add a second layer of noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and more meat sauce.Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

Bake the Lasagna

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Prep All Ingredients in Advance: To make the cooking process smoother, have all your ingredients ready before you start. This includes pre-cooking the lasagna noodles (if you're not using no-boil), chopping onions, and mixing the cheese filling. It’ll help you stay organized and keep the cooking flow going.
 
Layer with Care: When assembling the lasagna, make sure to evenly distribute the meat sauce and cheese filling. Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking, then add a layer of noodles, followed by the cheese filling, then more sauce. Repeat until you have at least three layers of noodles, finishing with a generous topping of sauce and shredded mozzarella for that golden, bubbly crust.
 
Let It Rest Before Serving: Once the lasagna is baked, resist the urge to cut into it immediately. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices without everything falling apart. Plus, it helps to bring out the flavors even more.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Piece | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 600mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g