If you have ever dreamed of the perfect comfort food that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your belly with pure joy, this Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layer upon layer of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese come together in a dish that feels both timeless and inviting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this lasagna combines simple ingredients to create a hearty, mouthwatering experience that’s sure to become a beloved family staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the foundation of any great meal, and this Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe is no different. Each component plays a crucial role— from the spices that bring depth to the meat sauce, to the cheeses that add luscious creaminess and a beautiful golden crust.
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese: This adds a smooth, creamy texture that balances the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it layers beautifully.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Its melty goodness and mild flavor are essential for that classic lasagna texture.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a salty, nutty punch that enhances every bite.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the meat sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic to develop rich, savory undertones.
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced): Provides sweetness and texture in the sauce.
- ¾ lb. ground beef: Adds hearty, robust flavor and satisfying meatiness.
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage: Brings a spiced, savory kick to the filling mix.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential aromatic that elevates the sauce’s overall taste.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps maintain sauce moisture and depth of flavor.
- 40 oz. marinara sauce: The heart of the lasagna, packed with tomato richness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a subtle, warming heat to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami complexity and depth.
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage): The sturdy base that holds all the layers together.
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese: Additional cheese for topping, ensuring that golden, bubbly crust.
How to Make Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Start by combining the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir everything gently until it forms a creamy, slightly thick mixture. This blend will give your lasagna the luscious, cheesy layers that are absolutely essential to this dish’s classic appeal.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and cooked through. Pour in the chicken broth to keep the meat moist, then stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty masterpiece.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
While your sauce simmers, boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until they are al dente—firm but tender. Drain them carefully and lay them out flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your noodles layer perfectly without falling apart during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce along the bottom to prevent sticking. Next, layer noodles across the base, followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then a hearty ladle of the meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, meat sauce—until you have used all ingredients, finishing off with a final sprinkle of the remaining 2.5 cups of mozzarella cheese to create that irresistible bubbling top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing; this helps it set so each piece comes out beautifully intact.
How to Serve Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully balances the rich sauce and cheese.
Side Dishes
Lasagna pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread. The crunch and freshness of salad cut through the richness, while warm, buttery garlic bread helps mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your lasagna into individual servings by baking it in ramekins for a charming presentation? You can also top each slice with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and chili flakes to surprise your guests with delicious little twists on this classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and moisture, making for easy meals throughout the week without losing that homemade charm.
Freezing
This Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. When stored correctly, it can last up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or frozen lasagna, reheat it covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. For individual portions, microwave reheating works fine—just cover loosely to keep the moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles work great and save you a step. Just make sure your sauce is a bit more liquidy to allow the noodles to cook fully during baking.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the ground beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of your favorite vegetables while keeping all the cheeses and spices for a hearty vegetarian version.
How can I tell when the lasagna is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown bubbly top and ensure the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Letting it rest for 15 minutes will also help it firm up for clean slices.
Can I prepare the lasagna a day in advance?
Definitely! Assemble it the night before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it just before serving. This actually helps the flavors to meld more deeply.
What is the best cheese combination for this lasagna recipe?
The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan strikes the perfect balance of creaminess, meltiness, and sharp flavor that defines this Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering around a table with good company, sharing slices of this warm, hearty Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe. It’s not just a meal but a celebration of classic flavors and simple pleasures. I hope you find as much joy making and eating this dish as I do every time it graces my kitchen.
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Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy lasagna recipe layers rich ricotta cheese, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful marinara sauce between tender lasagna noodles. With a blend of Italian seasonings, garlic, and a hint of heat from hot sauce, it’s a classic comfort dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Marinara sauce can be store-bought or homemade.
- Adding hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce in the meat sauce gives a depth of flavor and a slight kick.
- Do not overcook the noodles; al dente texture helps maintain the structure of the lasagna.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
