Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience layers of rich, savory flavors in this Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This comforting dish features perfectly cooked pasta, hearty ground meat simmered in a robust tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses that melt together beautifully. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this lasagna recipe will become a beloved staple in your home.
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a time-honored recipe that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table.
A Flavorful Tradition
Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings family and friends together. This dish, originating from Italy, has evolved through generations and continues to be a beloved favorite across the world. The layering of pasta, meat, and cheese creates a wonderful harmony of flavors that excite the palate. Each slice serves not just as sustenance, but as a comforting reminder of home-cooked love and care.
The process of making lasagna is an art form, where each component contributes to the whole. The rich, hearty meat sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese mixture and the perfectly cooked noodles, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or on a cozy weeknight, lasagna has the remarkable ability to turn any day into a special occasion.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
One key to achieving the perfect lasagna is ensuring that the noodles are cooked al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy during the baking process. Additionally, allow your meat sauce to simmer long enough to deepen the flavors. The longer the sauce simmers, the more robust and delicious it will become, making each bite truly enjoyable.
Don’t be afraid to customize your lasagna! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value and add more flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or meats to create your signature version of this classic dish. Everyone has their own twist on lasagna, so feel free to get creative.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad to balance its richness. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors of the dish and adds a nutritious touch. For an Italian-themed meal, serve it with garlic bread or bruschetta, allowing guests to savor every taste.
Leftovers? Lasagna stores well in the fridge, and its flavors develop even more after a day. It can be reheated easily in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient meal option for busy weekdays. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, this classic lasagna with meat sauce is sure to please at any time.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- Extra cheese for topping
Enjoy layering these ingredients for a delicious meal!
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Cook the Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
Assemble the Lasagna
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add extra cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with more parsley if desired.
Serve warm with a side salad and garlic bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make lasagna vegetarian? Substituting the meat with roasted vegetables or lentils is an excellent option for a vegetarian lasagna. Additionally, you might consider using plant-based cheese alternatives to keep it dairy-free while maintaining flavor.
Can I prepare lasagna in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
Nutritional Information
This classic lasagna is a hearty meal that offers a well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The ground beef and Italian sausage provide protein, while the pasta offers essential carbohydrates. The inclusion of cheese adds healthy fats and calcium, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
For those watching their calorie intake, consider making smaller portion sizes or using whole-grain noodles and lean ground meats. You can also bulk up the dish with more vegetables, which will add fiber and vitamins without significantly increasing calorie content.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase baking time when cooking from cold.
→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or goat cheese if preferred.
Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Experience layers of rich, savory flavors in this Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This comforting dish features perfectly cooked pasta, hearty ground meat simmered in a robust tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses that melt together beautifully. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this lasagna recipe will become a beloved staple in your home.
Created by: Skylar Jennings
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8.0
What You'll Need
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- Extra cheese for topping
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add extra cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with more parsley if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Protein: 25g