why make this recipe
Classic Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that brings family and friends together. It’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy dinner at home. With layers of rich meat, creamy cheeses, and delicious sauce, this lasagna is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a classic dish that many people love and is a great way to use up ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
how to make Classic Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 jars marinara sauce (about 24 ounces each)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and then drain the excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture.
- Add 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) two more times. Finally, top with the remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
how to serve Classic Lasagna
Serve Classic Lasagna hot, directly from the baking dish. You can enjoy it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Cut the lasagna into squares for easy serving, and make sure to scoop out some of the delicious layers with each piece.
how to store Classic Lasagna
If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before storing it. Place the leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze lasagna for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen lasagna can last for up to 3 months.
tips to make Classic Lasagna
- Use a mix of ground meats like beef, pork, and sausage for a richer flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a twist on the classic flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with layers of roasted vegetables or spinach.
variation
You can customize Classic Lasagna with different ingredients. Try adding spinach or mushrooms, or use a béchamel sauce instead of ricotta for a creamier texture. You can also make a lighter version by using whole wheat noodles and low-fat cheese.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble lasagna a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as a substitute for ricotta.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly browned. Make sure to check the center for any remaining cool layers.
Classic Lasagna
A comforting and hearty dish that brings family and friends together, featuring layers of rich meat, creamy cheeses, and delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 jars marinara sauce (about 24 ounces each)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and then drain the excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture.
- Add 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) two more times.
- Finally, top with the remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a mix of ground meats for a richer flavor. Let the lasagna rest after baking to help the layers set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
