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Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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3.8 from 68 reviews

This classic homemade lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting Italian-American favorite, ideal for family dinners and special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for cheese mixture)
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Other

  • 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • Garnish: fresh basil and chopped parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up meat with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove excess fat, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and pepper to taste. Bring to a bubble, reduce heat to medium-low or low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  2. Mix Cheese Layer: While sauce simmers, beat one large egg in a large bowl. Add 2 cups shredded mozzarella, ricotta, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning; stir until well combined.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and place rack in the upper third of the oven.
  4. Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook lasagna noodles al dente (7-8 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain noodles and do not rinse. Spread on parchment paper individually to prevent sticking as they cool.
  5. Assemble Lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lay 4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Spoon one-third of the remaining meat sauce on top. Repeat layering with 4 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and another one-third of meat sauce. Add the final 4 noodles, spread remaining meat sauce on top, and finish with 2 cups shredded mozzarella for the topping.
  6. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes. Optional: broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes to set before cutting. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh basil if desired. Cut into squares and serve. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Use Italian sausage with or without casings, whichever you prefer.
  • Do not overcook noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Resting the lasagna before serving helps it hold its shape when cut.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a beautifully browned cheese topping.
  • For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/classic-homemade-lasagna-recipe/