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Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This easy lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and a flavorful blend of Italian seasonings. Baked to perfection, this comforting Italian classic is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing 12 hearty servings with a deliciously cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 3/4 lb. ground beef
  • 3/4 lb. ground Italian sausage
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 40 oz. marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Others

  • 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
  • 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready for cooking.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the finely diced onions and cook for 10 minutes until softened and slightly sweetened, which balances the tomato acidity.
  3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the softened onions. Increase heat to medium-high and break the meat apart with a spatula until finely crumbled. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to release any browned bits. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer gently as you prepare the noodles.
  5. Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir gently during cooking to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water until completely cooled. Lay cooled noodles flat on wax or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
  6. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 heaping cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly as needed. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with approximately 1 ½ cups of meat sauce. Repeat layering twice more: 4 noodles, 1/3 ricotta mixture, 1 ½ cups meat sauce; then final 4 noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and remaining meat sauce. Finally, spread 2 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  7. Prepare to Bake: Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray and place it spray side down on top of the casserole to prevent cheese from sticking during baking.
  8. Bake the Lasagna: Bake covered with the foil for 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the layers to set perfectly before slicing. Serve with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using fresh grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhances flavor compared to pre-grated versions.
  • Partially covering the sauce while simmering preserves moisture and develops flavor.
  • Rinsing noodles with cold water after boiling stops the cooking process and prevents sticking during assembly.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
  • For extra rich flavor, consider using a blend of smoked and sweet Italian sausages.
  • Adjust the hot sauce amount to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Garlic bread with cheese is a classic side pairing with lasagna for a hearty Italian meal.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/easy-classic-lasagna-recipe/