Classic Lasagna Recipe – An Easy Comfort Food Recipe

When asked what are your top 10 family comfort food recipes that you had growing up or that you like to enjoy with your family, would you put lasagna on the list? I certainly would!

A classic layered pasta dish that is filled with a rich meat sauce, cheese and put in the oven to bake until hot and bubbly. Once it comes out of the oven it is sliced into squares and served with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

It is often served as part of a traditional Sunday dinner, as it is a hearty and comforting dish to enjoy with the family after a busy week. However it is also often made on holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas in many Italian-American homes across the country.

However in my house it has also become tradition to make it on Super Bowl Sunday. I prepare the dish early in the day and then put it in the oven at the beginning of the game.

Then at half-time dinner, when dinner is ready, everyone can fill their plates without missing a play. Although, this is one time that we alloow eating dinner in front of the t.v. so we don’t miss the commercials.

Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

Depending on where you live, the ingredients in lasagna can vary significantly. However, there are some common ingredients that are most often included.

1. Pasta:

Wide, flat pasta noodles are commonly called lasagna noodles. You can find straight or wavy edged varieties. Here we use standard, dry lasagna noodles (not fresh and not oven-ready).

2. Sauce: 

The heart of the dish, typically includes a rich meat ragù sauce. This is made with ground meat (beef, sausage, or a combination), onion, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. 

3. Cheese Mixture: 

Although most lasagna recipes includes some sort of cheese, the variety and consistency can vary greatly between recipes. This specific recipe includes three different varieties of cheese that is mixed with egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. 

4. Lasagna Topping

Once the layers have been assembled the lasagna is topped with the classic ingredients of more meat sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

How to Assemble Lasagna

Although you may think that lasagna is difficult to make, it is actually quite easy. Once you have the ingredients prepared, it is just a matter of layering the ingredients.

Start by placing a little meat sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. there is no need to spray the bottom of the pan with non-stick spray as the sauce will prevent the pasta from sticking.

The Layers: Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of the pan. Then add 1⁄3 of the cheese mixture, and 1 1⁄2 cups of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers 2 more times.

The Topping: Add the remaining 3 lasagna noodles on top and then pour the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, being sure that the meat sauce is spread evenly on top. Then sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking Instructions

• Before placing the lasagna in the oven spray one side of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray. Then tightly cover the baking dish (spray side down).
• Place the dish in a preheated oven set at 350°F. Bake for 45 minutes.
• Then carefully remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are hot and bubbly.
• Once you take the dish out of the oven let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. This will allow enough time for the layers to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Classic Lasagna Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground sweet Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, divided
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup diced fresh flat leaf parsley, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 15 oz. whole milk Ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• 12 lasagna noodles

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

In a large skillet placed over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage. As the meat browns break the meat apart with a wooden spatula.

Then when the meat is half way browned add the onions and garlic and continue to cook until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain the meat and return the meat mixture back into the skillet.

Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, water, granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and the black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low-medium. Allow the sauce to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of diced parsley.

While the sauce is simmering in a separate bowl add add 1 cup shredded mozzarella, the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons diced parsley, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Stir until well incorporated and set aside.

Cook the lasagna noodles to al’ dente per the package directions. Drain and drizzle the noodles with extra virgin olive oil to prevent them from sticking and place them on a greased sheet pan in an even layer.

Assembly Instructions (Classic Lasagna Recipe)

In the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, add 1/4 cup of the meat sauce and spread the sauce out so that most of the bottom dish has a very thin layer of sauce.

Layer 1: Place 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of the pan. Then add 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce.

Layers 2 & 3: Repeat the layer of 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 ricotta mixture and 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce two more times.

Top Layer: Add a final layer of the lasagna noodles, remaining meat sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Spray aluminum foil with non stick cooking spray and cover the dish. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil & bake an additional 15 more minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly and beginning to turn light brown.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the lasagna set up and easier to slice.

Serve warm.

Enjoy! Mary

Want to enjoy the taste of lasagna without all the work? Make this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup instead!

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