If comfort food had a royal court, Lasagna would surely sit on the throne, wrapped in its decadent layers and bubbling with flavor. With tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and a trio of cheeses, this classic Italian favorite has an irresistible combination of hearty textures and savory tastes. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or prepping a weekend meal for family, Lasagna always delivers warmth, generous leftovers, and a seat at the table for celebration. Let’s dive in and make a dish you’ll be proud to call your signature!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great Lasagna starts with quality, straightforward ingredients, each one playing an important role in creating layers of comfort. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with why each item matters and how to maximize its flavor.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory foundation; use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce; be sure to dice finely for even cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers classic Italian aroma—freshly minced makes all the difference.
- Marinara Sauce (24 ounces): Brings bright acidity and tomato richness to every bite; choose your favorite jarred or homemade variety.
- Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces): Creates creamy, luscious layers; cottage cheese works if you’re after a lighter touch.
- Large Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so your Lasagna slices stay beautifully intact.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts to gooey perfection and holds the layers together. Use whole milk mozzarella for extra stretch!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top—don’t skip it for genuine flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles (9, regular or oven-ready): Forms the backbone of every layer; oven-ready saves time, but classic noodles have unbeatable texture.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Starts the sauté for a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Uplifts and perfumes the sauce with that unmistakable Italian essence.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses earthy, herbal notes—essential for authenticity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Rounds out flavors and seasons every layer beautifully.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough for gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, gather and measure all your ingredients so you can work smoothly. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the cheeses if needed, and set everything within easy reach. If you’re using classic lasagna noodles, get a pot of water boiling for them now!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, letting it sizzle and soften for about three minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic—breathe in that incredible smell—then toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Pour in the marinara sauce and add basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes, creating a robust, aromatic sauce that’s the heart of your Lasagna.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, large egg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. This step ensures that every cheesy layer is extra luscious and binds beautifully as your Lasagna bakes and sets.
Step 4: Prep the Noodles
If you’re not using oven-ready noodles, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions in well-salted water. Drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to avoid sticking. This little extra effort keeps your layers neat and easy to assemble.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce into your 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and ensures each bite starts with flavor. Arrange three noodles over the sauce, then dollop on half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella, spoon a third of the remaining sauce, and repeat the process. Finish with the last noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and a generous shower of Parmesan for that golden, bubbly top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and flecked with golden spots, and the sauce is bubbling merrily around the edges. Resist the urge to dig in right away—let your Lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the layers set and flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Lasagna
Garnishes
Give your Lasagna a finishing touch with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A little extra Parmesan never hurt, and a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a subtle fragrance and visual shine that elevates every plate.
Side Dishes
Lasagna shines brightest with a crunchy Caesar or garden salad on the side, plus warm garlic bread for sopping up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables—think broccolini, carrots, or zucchini—bring a little color and freshness to balance out the rich, cheesy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try cutting the Lasagna into neat squares and stacking them just-so on plates, then finishing with a basil sprig or a tiny swirl of extra sauce. For a family-style gathering, place the baking dish right in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves—few things are more inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better on day two, as the flavors deepen and meld together overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let your Lasagna cool completely, then slice it into portions or keep it whole. Wrap portions well in plastic wrap and foil, or store in airtight containers. It will keep happily in the freezer for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights or surprise guests!
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave until hot, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating for that irresistible melty finish.
FAQs
Can I prepare Lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the whole dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese is an easy swap. For something extra decadent, try a mix of mascarpone and ricotta or add a dollop of cream cheese into the mixture.
Can I make Lasagna vegetarian?
Yes—just swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or a blend of your favorite roasted vegetables. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you still get those luscious, layered results.
Is it possible to use gluten-free noodles?
Definitely! There are several excellent gluten-free lasagna noodle options available, and most don’t require pre-cooking. Just watch your cooking times and add a little extra sauce if the noodles look dry.
Why does Lasagna need to rest after baking?
Letting Lasagna rest makes all the difference—it gives the layers time to firm up so your slices hold together beautifully, making both serving and eating less messy and a lot more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes bring people together quite like Lasagna, with its rich, saucy layers and soul-warming aroma. I hope this recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and create a batch to share—a meal filled with flavor, laughter, and plenty of delicious leftovers. Trust me: one bite and you’ll find yourself coming back to this Lasagna recipe again and again!
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Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Lasagna recipe is a comforting and satisfying Italian dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey cheese make every bite a delight.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, cook onion and garlic, then brown the ground beef. Add marinara, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, and salt.
- Layer: In a 9×13-inch dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover and bake until golden. Rest before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
