Classic and Traditional Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings together layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy dinners, this Italian classic is comfort food at its finest. With its hearty flavors and satisfying layers, this lasagna recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225 g) Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and water. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

4. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

11. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Make-ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the meat sauce with marinara and sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Lasagna also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Classic and Traditional Lasagna is a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish that delivers layers of hearty, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether served for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this recipe is a comforting favorite that never goes out of style. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of homemade lasagna!