Lasagna is a timeless Italian dish loved for its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. This easy recipe simplifies the traditional method without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this hearty lasagna will become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients for Easy Classic Lasagna:
- Lasagna Sheets: 1 box (about 16 sheets)
- Ground Beef: 1 lb, lean
- Italian Sausage: 1 lb, mild or spicy
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 2 cans (28 oz each)
- Tomato Paste: 1 can (6 oz)
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups, shredded
- Egg: 1 large
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp (optional, to balance acidity)
How to Make Easy Classic Lasagna:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping), and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers twice, ending with meat sauce.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle reserved mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious classic!
About the Main Ingredients:
Pasta Sheets: Use traditional lasagna sheets, which can be found dried or fresh. Cook them according to package instructions if using dried sheets before layering.
Meat Sauce: A combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth of flavor. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes.
Cheeses: A blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy and gooey texture when baked. These cheeses complement the meat sauce perfectly.
This Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and hearty meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings the essence of Italy to your table with every bite.
