Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish known for its layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. This classic lasagna recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To make the meat sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red wine (if using). Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 500-600
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 35-40g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4-6
This classic lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Its rich and flavorful layers make it a filling and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!
