Description
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is layered with rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender lasagna noodles, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It delivers authentic Italian comfort in every bite and makes the perfect centerpiece for family dinners, holidays, and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 500 g (1 lb) ground pork
- 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 400 g (14 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, sugar, and water. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor. Let the lasagna rest before cutting so the layers hold their shape. You can assemble the lasagna one day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Freeze tightly wrapped lasagna for up to 3 months. Add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg