Classic Lasagna Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to Classic Lasagna. With its hearty layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and bubbling melted mozzarella, this Italian favorite brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a satisfying family dinner, Classic Lasagna shines with flavors that only get better with each bite. Get ready to create a masterpiece that’s as impressive as it is crave-worthy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Classic Lasagna is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building its famous flavor, texture, and irresistible golden top. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh items, you’ll have everything you need to layer up a dish that’s just bursting with Italian comfort.

• Ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for a rich, savory meat sauce that carries the whole lasagna.
• Onion: A chopped medium onion brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, classic Italian aroma.
• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps sautée the vegetables and adds silky richness.
• Tomato sauce (2 cans): The backbone of your sauce, canned tomato sauce creates that velvety, savory base.
• Water: Measured in the tomato sauce can, it helps balance the thickness of your sauce.
• Tomato paste: One can adds concentrated tomato flavor and a lush, thick texture.
• Oregano: This herb is essential for a signature Italian seasoning.
• Basil: Adds freshness and a floral, peppery lift.
• Salt: Just the right amount to balance all the savory elements.
• Pepper: Enhances flavor and brings a gentle, spicy warmth.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself for gooey, melty layers and a beautifully browned top.
• Cottage cheese or ricotta: Whichever you choose, it adds a creamy, tender bite to every forkful.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle adds saltiness and that irresistible, nutty finish.
• Lasagna noodles: Classic dry noodles provide structure and soak up all those flavors as they bake.

How to Make Classic Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Meat Sauce

Start by setting a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Next, crumble in the ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and cook until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef mixture to the pan. Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently, covered, for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then so all those flavors marry perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While your sauce simmers away, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions for al dente—they should be pliable but still slightly firm in the middle. Drain the noodles and give them a quick rinse under cool water to prevent sticking, then set them aside on a plate or lay them out on a clean towel.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your 14 x 11½ x 2¼ inch baking dish (or two smaller ones if you prefer) and give it a light coating of nonstick spray. Start with a thin layer of the meat sauce to keep your noodles from sticking. Lay down about five noodles, overlapping them slightly. Dollop and spread half of the cottage cheese (or ricotta) over the noodles, then top with a third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan cheese, followed by a third of your shredded mozzarella. Repeat with another round: noodles, the rest of the cottage cheese, another third of the meat sauce, remaining Parmesan, and another third of mozzarella. For the final layer, add noodles, the last of the sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella. Each layer brings a bit more love!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray a piece of aluminum foil with nonstick spray (so the cheese doesn’t stick!). Cover the lasagna tightly and slide it into your preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes—your kitchen will smell incredible. Remove the foil and let it bake another 10 minutes so the cheese gets beautifully bubbly and golden. Let the Classic Lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing so the layers stay gorgeous and clean.

How to Serve Classic Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top just before serving adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh aroma that complements the rich, cheesy flavors of Classic Lasagna. For an extra hit of flavor, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan right as it hits the table.

Side Dishes

Classic Lasagna is a showstopper on its own, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted vegetables works wonders to round out your plate. Don’t forget some crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try cutting the lasagna into neat squares and stacking them in a staggered fashion on a large platter. If you want to get a little fancy, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. The beauty of Classic Lasagna is that you can dress it up or keep it rustic—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge, tightly covered or stored in an airtight container, for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making next-day Classic Lasagna absolutely irresistible!

Freezing

Classic Lasagna freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices or the whole dish tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating

To reheat, let your lasagna thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. For single servings, a microwave works too—just cover and heat until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for Classic Lasagna?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. Just be sure your sauce is not too thick, as the noodles need extra moisture to cook through while baking.

What’s the best cheese to use in Classic Lasagna?

Mozzarella is the star for that signature melt and stretch, but feel free to use either cottage cheese for a lighter, tangier layer or ricotta for creaminess. Parmesan on top is always recommended for extra flavor.

Can I make Classic Lasagna vegetarian?

Yes! Just swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. You’ll still get all those hearty flavors and satisfying layers without the meat.

Can I prepare Classic Lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire lasagna the day before, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the oven time since it’ll be chilled.

Is it okay to swap out the herbs in Classic Lasagna?

Of course! If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them to brighten up the flavor. Otherwise, adjust the dried oregano and basil amounts to suit your taste—don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried making Classic Lasagna from scratch, you’re in for a true treat. With its hearty sauce, creamy cheeses, and those irresistible layers, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Grab your apron, call over your favorite people, and enjoy every delicious bite together!

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