Classic Lasagna

Classic Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers for days to come. This lasagna is made with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for any family dinner, holiday celebration, or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
• 2 cans (6.5 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the meat sauce and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8-10

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
• Low-Carb Lasagna: Substitute lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant to make a low-carb version.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add more varieties of cheese like provolone or fontina for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warm.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. Bake as directed the following day.
2. Can I freeze lasagna? Yes, lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, removing the foil halfway through.
3. Do I need to cook the noodles before layering? It’s best to cook the noodles first, but you can use no-boil lasagna noodles if preferred. Just follow the package instructions.
4. Can I use a different meat? Yes, ground turkey, sausage, or a combination of meats can be substituted for ground beef.
5. How do I make my lasagna less watery? Be sure to drain excess moisture from ingredients like spinach or mushrooms, and don’t overcook the noodles.
6. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded? Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella, but shredded cheese typically melts better and spreads more evenly.
7. What can I serve with lasagna? Serve lasagna with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
8. How do I make my lasagna cheesy? For extra cheese, increase the amount of mozzarella or add a layer of cheese between the noodles.
9. Can I make lasagna without ricotta cheese? Yes, cottage cheese can be used as an alternative to ricotta cheese.
10. How can I avoid a soggy lasagna? Ensure your sauce isn’t too watery by simmering it long enough to thicken, and don’t overload the layers.

Conclusion

Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory meat sauce, rich cheeses, and perfectly baked noodles. With easy-to-follow steps and the flexibility for various substitutions, this dish is perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal with family, this lasagna recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!

Print