Homemade Classic Lasagna (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce
01 -
450 g ground beef
02 -
225 g Italian sausage, casings removed (optional, or increase beef accordingly)
03 -
1 small onion, finely diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
700 ml marinara or tomato pasta sauce
06 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 -
1 teaspoon dried basil
08 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 -
Salt, to taste
10 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Mixture
11 -
425 g ricotta cheese
12 -
1 large egg
13 -
120 ml grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
→ Assembly
15 -
9 lasagna noodles, regular or oven-ready
16 -
360 g shredded mozzarella cheese
17 -
Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and finely diced onion until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Incorporate marinara sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, one egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until smooth. Set aside for assembly.
03 -
If using traditional noodles, cook in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and arrange flat on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
04 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the base of a 23x33 cm baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, one third of the mozzarella, and another portion of meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and additional Parmesan.
05 -
Cover the dish with foil sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from adhering. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing, allowing the layers to set.
# Notes:
01 -
Extended simmering of the meat sauce enhances its depth of flavor.
02 -
Allowing the assembled dish to rest after baking ensures clean slices and structure.
03 -
Cottage cheese may be used in place of ricotta, if preferred.