Lasagna

Classic Homemade Lasagna (Rich, Cheesy & Comforting)

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food: layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese baked until bubbling and golden. This timeless dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep, and it tastes even better the next day.

This recipe delivers perfectly balanced layers, a rich sauce, and a creamy, cheesy interior that holds together beautifully when sliced.

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Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

• Rich, slow-simmered meat sauce

• Creamy, cheesy layers that don’t dry out

• Perfectly sliceable after baking

• Great for make-ahead and freezing

• Crowd-pleasing classic

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

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For the Cheese Filling

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

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For Assembly

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground meat and cook until browned.

5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.

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Step 3: Cook the Noodles

• Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions (unless oven-ready).

• Drain and lay flat on parchment paper.

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Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.

3. Add a layer of noodles.

4. Spread ricotta mixture over noodles.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella.

6. Add meat sauce.

7. Repeat layers 2–3 times, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.

2. Bake for 30 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

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Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Let it rest so slices hold their shape

• Don’t overfill layers—balance is key

• Simmer sauce for deeper flavor

• Use whole-milk ricotta for creaminess

• Add a splash of water if using oven-ready noodles

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Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with roasted vegetables

• White Lasagna: Use béchamel sauce instead of tomato

• Cheesy Lasagna: Add provolone or fontina

• Spinach Ricotta: Fold spinach into ricotta mixture

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets

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Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days

• Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna up to 3 months

• Reheat covered in oven until hot

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Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread

• Green salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Italian antipasto

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Final Thoughts

Classic Lasagna is a dish that brings people together. With its rich sauce, creamy layers, and perfectly baked cheese, it’s a timeless recipe that works for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy.