Introduction

This Classic Lasagna Recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble for a hearty family dinner or special occasion. For another delicious twist on this Italian favorite, try the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Ingredients

This Classic Lasagna recipe creates a comforting, hearty dish with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
• 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 (1 3/4 cups) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes

Context: This Classic Lasagna recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown 1 pound of ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2 — Make the Cheese Filling

Combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended and creamy.

For a smoother filling, use full-fat ricotta and let it come to room temperature before mixing. This prevents a grainy texture in your finished Classic Lasagna.

Step 3 — Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 9–12 lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.

Drain immediately and lay noodles flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking. Do not rinse—the starch helps the sauce adhere better to your Classic Lasagna layers.

Step 4 — Assemble the First Layers

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3–4 noodles lengthwise over the sauce, slightly overlapping.

Top with ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 5 — Continue Layering

Repeat the layering process two more times: meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded cheeses. Finish with a final layer of noodles.

Spread remaining meat sauce over the top noodles, then cover generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the Classic Lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and lightly browned, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

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 savory notes to traditional beef
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based alternatives that provide hearty texture and umami flavor
• Zucchini or eggplant slices — Lower-carb noodle substitutes that add vegetable freshness
• Whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles — Fiber-rich or celiac-friendly pasta options
• Low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese — Reduced-fat dairy choices that maintain creamy texture
• Nutritional yeast or cashew cream — Dairy-free alternatives that provide cheesy flavor profile
• No-salt-added tomato sauce — Lower sodium version that lets herbs and spices shine through
• Spinach or kale layers — Nutrient-packed greens that add color and vitamins to your Classic Lasagna

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Classic Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner.
• Serve this 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 and serve as a hearty appetizer.
• Accompany your lasagna with a light, acidic side such as a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness.
• For a cozy family dinner, serve the Classic Lasagna directly from the baking dish with a side of marinara for extra dipping.
• Garnish individual plates of Classic Lasagna with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving.

This Classic Lasagna is perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using no-boil noodles without extra sauce. Fix: Add ½ cup additional liquid per layer to prevent dry Classic Lasagna.
• Mistake: Skipping the béchamel sauce layer. Fix: Include this creamy element for authentic texture and moisture balance.
• Mistake: Overloading with cheese between layers. Fix: Use moderate, even distribution to maintain structural integrity.
• Mistake: Assembling with cold fillings. Fix: Bring meat sauce and cheeses to room temperature for even cooking.
• Mistake: Cutting lasagna immediately after baking. Fix: Rest for 15–20 minutes to let layers set for clean slices.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the meat sauce. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, herbs, and garlic before assembling.
• Mistake: Using watery ricotta without draining. Fix: Strain excess liquid to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for first ¾ of bake time, then uncover to brown top.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Classic Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the lasagna tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For best results, allow frozen Classic Lasagna to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Classic Lasagna recipe delivers the comforting, cheesy layers you crave. For another delicious twist, try our Million Dollar Lasagna 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 Classic Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Classic Lasagna up to a day ahead. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?

It depends on the type of noodles. For no-boil noodles, you can use them directly. If using traditional noodles, boiling them first is recommended for the best texture in your Classic Lasagna.

How can I prevent my Classic Lasagna from being watery?

Ensure your meat sauce is thick and not too liquidy before assembling. Also, let the finished Classic Lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and absorb excess moisture.