Introduction

This classic lasagna recipe is simple and delicious, delivering the comforting layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese that everyone loves. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. For a twist on the traditional, try this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe or this Easy Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe for another cheesy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

This Classic Lasagna delivers rich, savory layers of meat sauce and creamy cheese that bake into a bubbling, golden masterpiece perfect for family dinners.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

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

Context: This Classic Lasagna recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to simplified layering and a no-boil noodle method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings like oregano and basil. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 2 — Make the Cheese Filling

Combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Mix until well blended and creamy.

For a smoother filling, let the ricotta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing.

Step 3 — Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Drain noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet or towel to prevent them from clumping together.

Step 4 — Assemble the Layers

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce.

Top with a portion of the cheese mixture, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes.

The foil helps trap steam, cooking the noodles thoroughly and melting the cheese without over-browning.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown the Top

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

For extra browning, switch to the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Classic Lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice neatly.

Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	450
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option with similar texture and savory flavor profile
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based alternatives that provide meaty texture and umami depth
• Zucchini or eggplant slices — Lower-carb noodle substitutes that absorb sauce beautifully
• Whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles — Fiber-rich or celiac-friendly options maintaining classic structure
• Low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese — Reduced dairy fat while preserving creamy texture
• Nutritional yeast or cashew cream — Dairy-free alternatives that mimic cheesy flavor and richness
• No-salt-added tomato sauce — Lower sodium base allowing herbs and spices to shine through
• Part-skim mozzarella — Reduced fat cheese that still delivers that essential melted topping

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Classic Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner experience.
• Serve your Classic Lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• For a casual gathering, cut the Classic Lasagna into smaller squares for easy appetizer portions.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing the Classic Lasagna with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• This Classic Lasagna is perfect for Sunday family dinners, holiday feasts, or potluck events where it can feed a crowd.
• Let the Classic Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking for cleaner, neater slices when serving.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Classic Lasagna is always a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using no-boil noodles without extra sauce. Fix: Add ½ cup extra liquid per layer to prevent dry Classic Lasagna.
• Mistake: Skipping the meat browning step. Fix: Cook until deeply caramelized for richer flavor in your Classic Lasagna.
• Mistake: Overloading cheese layers unevenly. Fix: Distribute cheeses proportionally to avoid greasy, unbalanced sections.
• Mistake: Assembling with hot sauce that melts cheese prematurely. Fix: Cool fillings completely before layering for clean cuts.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the ricotta mixture adequately. Fix: Mix in salt, pepper, and herbs directly into ricotta for even flavor.
• Mistake: Cutting lasagna immediately after baking. Fix: Rest for 15–20 minutes so layers set and hold their shape.
• Mistake: Using watery, fresh mozzarella without draining. Fix: Pat dry or use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent sogginess.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for the first half, then uncover to brown the top perfectly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Classic Lasagna completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container; frozen Classic Lasagna keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw if frozen, then reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Classic Lasagna is reheated to a safe temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Classic Lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its rich layers and comforting flavors. For another delicious twist on lasagna, try our Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe. We hope you love this dish—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more family favorites!

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FAQs

Can I make this Classic Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Classic Lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What is the best way to layer a Classic Lasagna?

Start with a thin layer of sauce to prevent sticking. Then alternate layers of noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and repeat. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top for a perfectly baked Classic Lasagna.

Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?

It depends on the type of noodles. For this Classic Lasagna recipe, no-boil or oven-ready noodles work perfectly without pre-cooking. If using traditional noodles, you should boil them until al dente before assembling.