Classic Baked Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, hearty dish that brings family and friends together. Originating from Italy, this layered pasta dish combines tender noodles, a robust meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling. It’s perfect for special occasions, casual dinners, or a meal that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy Italian trattoria. With a little effort and some simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step by step to make the perfect classic baked lasagna. The preparation is straightforward, and the results are worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

 

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (500g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
4. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
5. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in fresh parsley just before turning off the heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
6. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
3. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

 

Classic baked lasagna is a labor of love, but its rich, layered flavors are worth every effort. The tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, and savory meat sauce create a harmonious combination that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this lasagna will undoubtedly become a favorite.

Serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine to complete the experience. Leftovers, if there are any, taste even better the next day. Enjoy this timeless dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table!