There's something absolutely magical about the first forkful of perfectly layered pasta that oozes with melted cheese and rich meat sauce. This Lasagna Recipe brings together tender noodles, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella in layers of pure Italian comfort.
Whether you're hosting Sunday family dinner or preparing for a special celebration, this classic dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors that fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and create memories around the Dinner table that last a lifetime with every single satisfying bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Lasagna Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that impresses every single time while remaining surprisingly manageable for home cooks. The rich meat sauce combined with three types of cheese creates layers of flavor that satisfy both kids and adults throughout any season or occasion. It's wonderfully make-ahead friendly, actually improving in flavor after resting overnight, making it perfect for entertaining when you want to prepare in advance.
The recipe feeds a crowd generously, making it ideal for large families, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions when you want several hearty dinners ready to go. Plus, it freezes beautifully for up to three months, so you can always have a comforting homemade meal waiting when life gets busy and you need something reliable and nourishing.
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Ingredients
Here are the classic ingredients that build the foundation of this beloved Italian comfort food. These accessible items come together to create something truly special and satisfying for any occasion.
Simple and clear directions are in the recipe card.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Add-ins
Feel free to customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables. Some families love adding a layer of béchamel sauce or using a mixture of ground meats for deeper flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Base
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on clean kitchen towels to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components. The pasta will continue cooking during baking, so slightly undercooking prevents mushy layers.
Build the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, simmering for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg, mixing until smooth and well combined. This mixture will create the creamy layer that balances the rich meat sauce and provides the classic lasagna texture that everyone loves.
How many layers should lasagna have? Traditional lasagna typically has 3-4 layers of noodles with filling between each layer, creating the perfect ratio of pasta to sauce and cheese in every bite.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, repeating three times and ending with noodles topped with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 15 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set properly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature control and timing are absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing a watery or overcooked lasagna.
Always cook noodles just until al dente since they continue cooking during the long baking process.
Make sure your meat sauce is thick enough to hold its shape, as excess liquid will make the lasagna soggy.
For the cleanest cuts and best presentation, let the finished lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking, allowing the layers to firm up properly.
Cover with foil during most of the baking time to prevent the top from browning too quickly, removing it only during the final minutes for that perfect golden finish.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage Instructions
Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave or covering the entire dish and warming in a 350°F oven until heated through completely. For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and food safety.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for the complete Italian dining experience. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, antipasto platters, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and meat. It's perfect for Sunday family dinners, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to create a special meal that brings everyone together. My family loves it with crusty Italian bread and a light Chianti for memorable dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lasagna without ricotta cheese?
Yes! You can substitute with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a thick béchamel sauce. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and satisfying.
How do I prevent lasagna from being watery?
Make sure your meat sauce is thick, drain any excess fat, and let the assembled lasagna rest before cutting. Also, avoid over-saucing the layers.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles work perfectly and save time. Just make sure your sauce is slightly more liquid since the noodles will absorb moisture during baking.
How far in advance can I assemble lasagna?
You can assemble lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold temperatures.
More Amazing Italian Comfort Foods
If you're craving more authentic Italian flavors that warm the soul, these recipes bring restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen with simple techniques:
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- To Die For Fettuccine Alfredo
- Baked Ziti Recipe
Want more hearty pasta dishes? The spaghetti and meatballs recipe is classic, comforting, and always a hit.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your creativity could inspire someone else!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Italian Lasagna Recipe:
Classic Italian Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil lasagna noodles in heavily salted water until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in olive oil until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the rendered fat until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the meat with tomatoes, paste, and seasonings for 30 minutes so the sauce thickens visibly.
- Whisk the ricotta cheese and egg together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella repeatedly in a baking dish until the pan is full.
- Bake covered at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncover for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles.
- Rest the lasagna for 15 minutes before cutting to ensure cleanly sliced squares.
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