Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: A savory meat sauce combined with a delicious cheese mixture makes every bite satisfying.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can assemble it in advance and bake it when ready.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
- Customizable: Easily swap meats, cheeses, or add veggies to make it your own.
- Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 12-14 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
- Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- If using regular noodles, cook them according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a meat sauce layer and extra mozzarella.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let It Rest
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
- White Lasagna: Use a creamy béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add extra red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or gouda for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake when needed.
2. Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
3. How do I prevent lasagna from getting watery?
Drain the meat well and let the lasagna rest after baking.
4. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different.
5. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach work well.
6. Do I need to cover the lasagna while baking?
Yes, cover with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent drying out.
7. How do I know when my lasagna is done?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
8. Can I use fresh lasagna noodles?
Yes, fresh pasta works great and requires less cooking time.
9. What can I serve with lasagna?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
10. Can I make a smaller portion?
Yes, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish.
Conclusion
This Italian Lasagna is a timeless classic, packed with rich flavors and comforting layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Print
Italian Lasagna
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Italian Lasagna features layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Packed with flavor, this homemade lasagna is easy to customize and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 12–14 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
- Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- If using regular noodles, cook according to package instructions, then drain.
- If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and extra mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Variations: Make it vegetarian with mushrooms and spinach, or try a white lasagna with béchamel sauce.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
