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+ servings

Classic Lasagna

Delicious layers of the world's best lasagna with cheese and sauce
A hearty and cheesy lasagna layered with a meaty tomato sauce and creamy ricotta filling, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) Use no-boil to skip the boiling step.
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on preference)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (one large can)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Ingredients

  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. (If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.)
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom.
  • Lay down a single layer of noodles, spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, and sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella and a little Parmesan.
  • Repeat layers (sauce → noodles → ricotta → cheeses) two more times, finishing with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake another 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set.

Notes

For lighter lasagna, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella. Swap ground turkey for beef for a milder flavor. Add a cup of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta for extra veggies.