Lasagna, a beloved Italian dish, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of families all around the world. Its rich layers of pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses create a symphony of flavors that make it a cornerstone of comfort food. This recipe for Famous Lasagna is not just any lasagna; it’s a classic Italian lasagna recipe that honors tradition while allowing room for personal touches. Each bite offers a warm embrace, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even those cozy nights in. With humble origins, lasagna dates back to Ancient Greece, where a similar dish called Laganon was made with layers of pasta and sauce. Over the centuries, it has evolved, but its essence remains the same—a delicious layered pasta bake that brings people together.

Ingredients

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Ricotta Cheese Filling:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
• For Assembling:
  • 12 sheets of best lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Note: High-quality ingredients yield the best results. Opt for fresh herbs and good-quality cheeses for a richer flavor profile.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process: add more meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, try these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Make your marinara sauce for lasagna from scratch using fresh tomatoes and herbs for enhanced flavor.
• To prevent the lasagna from becoming watery, avoid over-saucing the layers. A good balance is key.
• Consider preparing the lasagna a day in advance. Refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld, and bake when ready to serve.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture, or microwave for quick servings.
• Avoid overcooking the noodles if using traditional varieties; they should be al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.

Variations

Explore different interpretations of this Famous Lasagna:

• Meat Lasagna Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Lasagna Options: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, or a mix of your favorites.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini in place of pasta.
• Experiment with different cheeses, such as gouda or provolone, to add unique flavor dimensions.

Serving Suggestions

For an enticing presentation, garnish your lasagna with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. Pair it with a light salad, such as Maurice Salad, and a crusty piece of garlic bread. A glass of red wine can enhance the Italian experience, making this dish not just a meal, but a feast to remember.

Famous Lasagna

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

—

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

PIN PRINT SHARE

Lasagna, a beloved Italian dish, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of families all around the world. Its rich layers of pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses create a symphony of flavors that make it a cornerstone of comfort food. This recipe for Famous Lasagna is not just any lasagna; it’s a classic Italian lasagna recipe that honors tradition while allowing room for personal touches. Each bite offers a warm embrace, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even those cozy nights in.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 12 sheets of best lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

1.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

2.

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

3.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.

5.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

6.

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.

7.

Repeat the layering process: add more meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

8.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9.

Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.