Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese. This Classic and Traditional Lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork (optional; you can use all beef if preferred)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them out on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on the noodles to keep them separated.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Add a layer of 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the last layer of meat sauce and topping it with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the underside of the foil) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your Classic and Traditional Lasagna!
Cooking Notes:
- Red Wine: Adding red wine to the meat sauce enhances the flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth or water.
- Noodle Tips: If you want to save time, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles, which don’t require boiling before assembly.
- Cheese: For an extra cheesy lasagna, you can add more mozzarella or mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
Variations:
1. Vegetable Lasagna:
Substitute the meat with layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
2. White Lasagna:
Replace the red meat sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce and use chicken or turkey as the protein for a white lasagna.
3. Spicy Lasagna:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meat sauce for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. Once assembled, you can cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
This Classic and Traditional Lasagna is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it for a special gathering, this lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that’s always a hit. Try this recipe today for a satisfying homemade meal
