Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese makes it an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner after a busy workday or preparing a family meal, this classic lasagna recipe is the ideal choice. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, and the leftovers only get better with time!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground Beef (or a Mix of Beef and Pork): 1 pound. A combination of beef and pork gives the sauce a rich, flavorful depth.
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped, for a slightly sweet and aromatic base.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, to infuse a fragrant and savory aroma.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), forming the base of the sauce with a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, adding a concentrated, rich tomato flavor to thicken the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (14 ounces), for a smooth and balanced texture in the sauce.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, helping to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the natural sweetness.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon, bringing a fragrant, Italian herbal note to the sauce.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, providing that familiar, earthy Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning the sauce to bring out the full depth of the flavors.
For the Ricotta Mixture
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, offering a smooth and creamy texture that perfectly complements the meat sauce.
- Egg: 1 large, helping to bind the ricotta mixture and give it structure.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for a sharp, nutty undertone.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried), adding a touch of freshness and color to the mixture.
Other Ingredients
- Lasagna Noodles: 12, cooked according to package instructions. Fresh or no-boil noodles can also be used, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 4 cups, shredded, for that irresistible melty, gooey layer between the noodles.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, to sprinkle on top for a crisp, cheesy crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened and translucent. Drain any excess fat to ensure your sauce remains rich but not greasy.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine and create a smooth sauce.
- Add the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Stir the mixture until it is smooth and evenly combined, and set it aside. This creamy ricotta layer will be the heart of your lasagna, adding richness and texture to each bite.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven ensures that the lasagna bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and helps form the foundation of your lasagna.
- Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they are evenly spaced and slightly overlapping.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every noodle gets coated with that creamy goodness.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, continuing with noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce, until all ingredients are used. Be sure to end with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese for a rich, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. To avoid the foil sticking to the cheese, lightly spray it with cooking spray before placing it over the lasagna.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The top should be slightly crispy, while the layers inside remain tender and melted.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Once the lasagna is done baking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice and ensuring that the layers stay intact.
- Slice the lasagna into 8 to 10 portions and serve hot. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Tips for Success
- Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercook the lasagna noodles, especially if using regular ones. This ensures they don’t become too soft and mushy after baking.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna rest allows the sauce to thicken and helps the layers hold together, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure each layer is even so every bite of lasagna contains all of the ingredients.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Lasagna can be assembled the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This saves time and allows the flavors to develop even further.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, homemade ricotta, and fresh herbs elevate the flavor of this dish.
Why This Recipe Shines
- Rich and Flavorful: The simmered meat sauce is full of flavor, while the creamy ricotta layers add a luscious contrast to the savory sauce.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of perfectly cooked noodles, gooey mozzarella, and a crispy top layer creates an ideal texture in every bite.
- Family Favorite: This lasagna is a meal that appeals to both adults and kids. It’s hearty, filling, and comforting, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or dinner with friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or protein sources. You can swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage. You can also add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna perfectly.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment to scoop up any extra sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, like Chianti, Merlot, or Zinfandel, pairs beautifully with lasagna, enhancing the savory flavors of the meat sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Lasagna freezes wonderfully. Cut it into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or warm individual slices in the microwave. If frozen, allow the lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Nothing Beats a Good Lasagna recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner, a holiday meal, or simply to enjoy during the week, this lasagna is sure to be a hit every time. With easy-to-follow instructions, fresh ingredients, and a rich, savory taste, it’s a recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this classic comfort food, and savor every bite!