Lasagna—a classic comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd! Whether you’re making a traditional meat lasagna or a veggie-packed version, it’s always a hit. Here’s a simple traditional lasagna recipe that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to cut the acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your pan)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground beef (or beef/pork mix) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar (if using), and spices (basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens and the flavors meld together.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix well until everything is incorporated.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay down the first layer of cooked lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by another layer of noodles, ricotta, and sauce. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the noodles, cheese, and sauce (usually 3 layers).
- Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and make serving easier.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side salad and some garlic bread for a perfect meal!
Tips:
- Make it ahead: Lasagna is a great dish to prepare in advance. You can assemble it the day before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.
- For a veggie version: Swap the meat for a combination of spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
- Add extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, you can always add more mozzarella or even provolone between layers for a cheesier lasagna.
This lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. 🍽️
Do you prefer your lasagna classic or with any special twist or extra ingredients?
