Best Classic Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion
-chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
-minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
15 oz.
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
15 oz.
- 2 cans tomato paste
6 oz.
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons salt
-divided
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
-divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
-divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
-divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-divided
- 15 oz. whole milk Ricotta cheese
1 3/4 cups
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
-divided
- 1 large egg
- 12 lasagna noodles
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Make the meat sauce. Add beef and sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until meat is browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat from the meat. Return the meat to the skillet.
- 3
Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon basil, and the black pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the minced parsley.
- 4
As the sauce cooks, make the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, add 1 cup mozzarella, the ricotta, 1/4 cup parmesan, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon basil. Stir until well incorporated.
- 5
Cook the pasta al dente, according to it’s package directions.
- 6
Assemble the lasagna. In a 13x9 inch baking dish, add a very thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/4 cup). Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1 1/2 (level) cups of meat sauce. Repeat the layers twice.
- 7
Add a final layer of the remaining noodles, meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan.
- 8
Cover with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake 15 more minutes.
- 9
Let the lasagna cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
Best Classic Lasagna Recipe
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About this Recipe
Searching for that ultimate, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table? This Best Classic Lasagna Recipe promises layers of rich flavor and hearty satisfaction, perfect for a memorable family meal.
What sets this classic lasagna apart is its deeply flavorful, homemade meat sauce. It features a robust blend of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, simmered with a trio of tomato products—sauce, crushed tomatoes, and paste—alongside aromatic Italian seasoning, basil, and a hint of sugar to balance the acidity. This rich foundation is perfectly complemented by creamy whole milk ricotta and generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll discover a harmonious balance of savory meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich, cheesy filling in every bite. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates distinct pockets of creamy texture and browned, bubbly deliciousness on top, ensuring every forkful is perfectly satisfying. This is the kind of hearty, classic Italian-American dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, delivering a comforting culinary hug.
While this recipe shines as a classic, feel free to tailor it to your preferences. For a milder flavor, you could opt for all ground beef instead of the sweet Italian sausage. Cheese lovers might experiment with adding a touch of provolone into the mozzarella layer for extra tang, though sticking to the classic cheeses ensures an authentic taste profile.
This Best Classic Lasagna Recipe is ideal for special Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a truly impressive and comforting meal. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the feast.