Classic Lasagna
Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich and savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. This time-honored Italian-American recipe combines ground beef and Italian sausage for a deliciously hearty filling, enhanced with aromatic garlic, basil, and oregano. A homemade ricotta mixture, enriched with Parmesan and fresh parsley, balances the dish with a luscious creaminess. Baked to perfection with a bubbling, golden cheese topping, this lasagna is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. With easy-to-follow instructions and a masterpiece presentation, this recipe is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing classic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
While the sauce simmers, make the ricotta mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce to cover the bottom.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese) two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 341.9 g | 438% | |
| Saturated Fat | 152.4 g | 762% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1304 mg | 434% | |
| Sodium | 8818 mg | 383% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 637.0 g | 232% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.8 g | 160% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.8 g | ||
| Protein | 395.0 g | 790% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 5980 mg | 460% | |
| Iron | 48.6 mg | 270% | |
| Potassium | 7146 mg | 152% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
