Classic Lasagna Recipe
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g (1 lb) ground beef or half beef and half pork
800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
450g (1 lb) ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Béchamel (if not using ricotta):
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
For the Layers:
9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra-grated Parmesan for topping
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
Add the ground meat and cook until it is browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare Cheese Mixture (if using ricotta):
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Make Béchamel Sauce (optional):
Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Boil Noodles (if not oven-ready):
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish (9x13 inch), spread a layer of meat sauce.
Add a layer of noodles, then spread ricotta or béchamel, and sprinkle mozzarella.
Repeat layers (sauce → noodles → cheese) until ingredients are used up.
Finish with sauce and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let It Rest:
Allow lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and optionally a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-style meal.