Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal, look no further than Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a labor of love that’s absolutely worth it. Every bite is rich with Italian-American flavor and nostalgia, making it the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every classic recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients, and Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from the hearty meats to the creamy cheeses, and even the aromatic herbs that give this lasagna its signature taste.
- Lasagna noodles: These form the sturdy, comforting layers that hold everything together—cook them just until al dente for the best texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the meat and onions beautifully.
- Ground beef: Offers hearty flavor and substance to the meat sauce, making every bite satisfying.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Infuses the sauce with a touch of spice and extra depth—mild or hot, your choice!
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides aromatic sweetness that blends perfectly into the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punchy, irresistible aroma—don’t skimp!
- Crushed tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, bringing vibrant color and robust tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies its rich, savory character.
- Tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and just the right amount of moisture for luscious layers.
- Dried basil: Brings classic Italian herb flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthy warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors in every layer.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the savory notes.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch can balance the acidity of the tomatoes—try it if you like a mellower sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates those iconic, luscious layers.
- Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta so it stays perfectly creamy, not runny.
- Fresh parsley (or dried): Lends a burst of freshness and color to the cheese mixture.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, stretching with every forkful.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a savory, nutty finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente—they’ll soften more in the oven, so you don’t want them overdone. Once cooked, drain them carefully and arrange them in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage (with casings removed), and diced onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until everything is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors can deepen and meld together.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While your sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta cheese, large egg, chopped parsley (fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch), and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This creamy mixture creates the luxurious layers that make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce so memorable.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now for the fun part! Spread about 1 cup of your rich meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down 3 noodles, then layer on a third of the ricotta mixture, followed by another cup of meat sauce and a cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this process two more times, so you have three glorious layers. Finish with the remaining meat sauce, the last of the mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is hot, bubbly, and golden brown. Resist the urge to dig in immediately—let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the layers can set and you get those picture-perfect slices.
How to Serve Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Garnishes
For that extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce with chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan adds even more savory flavor and a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or classic steamed green beans for a lighter counterpoint. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious meat sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, serve individual slices on warmed plates and drizzle a bit of extra sauce around each piece. For a family-style feast, bring the whole bubbling dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves—nothing brings people together quite like a pan of Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna is a thing of beauty—it often tastes even better the next day! Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is incredibly freezer-friendly. Simply assemble the lasagna but skip baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftover lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 25–30 minutes for a whole dish, or 10–15 minutes for individual slices). You can also microwave slices for a quick lunch—just be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a popular alternative in Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. It delivers a lighter texture and a bit more tang. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture in your layers.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Letting the sauce simmer uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker meat sauce. Also, letting the lasagna rest before slicing gives the layers time to set and prevents that dreaded watery bottom.
Can I make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This actually deepens the flavors and makes dinnertime a breeze—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the traditional lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to double-check labels, especially for sausage and tomato products.
What’s the best way to slice and serve lasagna neatly?
After baking, let your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce rest for at least 10–15 minutes. Use a sharp knife and a spatula to lift out each slice. This way, the beautiful layers stay intact and your dinner plates look restaurant-worthy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your loved ones with a true classic, give this Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce a try. The combination of flavors, textures, and melty cheese is simply unbeatable. Gather your favorite people, serve up generous slices, and savor the warmth and comfort of a timeless Italian-American favorite.
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Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Lasagna and Cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Noodles: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and lay them out on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of meat sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle the top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.
Notes
- Lasagna can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight or frozen before baking for convenience.
- For cleaner slices, allow the lasagna to rest after baking before cutting and serving.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a lighter or tangier cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
