“`html
There is something truly heartwarming and satisfying about gathering around a table for a delicious, comforting lasagna, and this Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. Brimming with layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses, it combines simplicity with flavor-packed ingredients to create an unforgettable meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or welcoming friends over, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting a great lasagna doesn’t require complicated or exotic ingredients. Each one here plays a vital role in contributing to that luscious texture, rich flavor, and inviting color that make this dish a true classic.
- Sweet Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a slight spice that enhances the meat sauce’s complexity.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and a tender bite that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and body to the sauce as it caramelizes gently.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and a fragrant aroma that is essential in Italian cooking.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): The vibrant base of the sauce, lending a rich tomato flavor and lovely texture.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz): Adds smoothness and deepens the saucy foundation.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Concentrates tomato flavor, making the sauce robust and intensely savory.
- Sugar: Balances acidity, creating a perfectly rounded tomato sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Freshens the overall taste with a burst of herbal brightness.
- Dried basil: Offers classic Italian herbal notes that tie the sauce together.
- Italian seasoning: A savory mix of herbs that infuses the sauce with authentic Italian essence.
- Fennel seeds (optional): Introduces a subtle, aromatic sweetness for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance every element.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, it creates luscious layers that contrast beautifully with the meatiness.
- Egg, beaten: Binds the ricotta mixture together, ensuring it stays creamy and firm.
- Lasagna noodles: The structural base that holds the entire dish’s layered goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding richness and that iconic stretchy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that golden-browns in the oven.
How to Make Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by browning the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination builds the hearty base of your lasagna. Once everything is nicely browned and fragrant, be sure to drain the excess fat—this keeps the sauce rich but not greasy. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh and dried herbs, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds if using. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let this simmer uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld into a thick, luscious sauce that will make every bite unforgettable.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the meat sauce bubbles away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked noodles provide the tender yet firm texture that will support the layers. Drain them carefully and set aside so they’re ready for assembly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, a bit of chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture will add a creamy, smooth contrast to the rich meat sauce, marrying all the layers together in the most delightful way.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin assembling your lasagna by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor to the edges. Lay down four cooked noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of your ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a little grated Parmesan on top, then cover with another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a generous final layer of meat sauce topped with Parmesan cheese to create a beautiful, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to warm everything thoroughly and meld the flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and nicely golden. Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for 15 minutes. This resting time is key for the layers to set so your slices will hold beautifully when served, giving you that perfect, picture-ready presentation.
How to Serve Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a touch of color and a fresh herbal note that lightens this rich dish beautifully. For a little extra flair and texture, some toasted pine nuts on top can offer a subtle crunch that surprises and delights.
Side Dishes
Since lasagna is a hearty meal, pairing it with lighter sides helps balance the plate. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables brings freshness and crunch that perfectly complement the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can also be a wonderful addition, offering the perfect vehicle to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling mini lasagnas in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation at dinner parties. Layer the ingredients as usual, bake, and serve these charming personal portions straight from the oven. Another idea is to create a lasagna roll-up—spread your fillings over cooked noodles, roll them up, arrange in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, then bake. This variation makes serving easier and looks elegant on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is actually one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep moisture in and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
This Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the cheese moist and prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat a larger portion covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Either method revives the dish to its cheesy, saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles, but you may need to slightly increase the amount of sauce to ensure they cook properly in the oven. Just layer as usual, and the moisture from the sauce will soften the noodles perfectly while baking.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture, or even a blend of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella if you’re looking for a creamier twist. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as these alternatives have different flavor profiles.
How long can I simmer the meat sauce?
Simmering the sauce for 1 1/2 hours is ideal to develop deep flavors and thicken it nicely. However, you can simmer it longer on low heat if you have more time—just stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it starts to get too thick.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils, and use a vegetable broth-based tomato sauce. The layered cheeses and tomato richness will still provide that satisfying lasagna experience.
How do I achieve a bubbly and golden top on the lasagna?
Baking uncovered during the last 25 minutes helps the cheese bubble and brown beautifully. For an extra golden finish, you can briefly place the lasagna under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe is a dish that will quickly become one of your go-to meals for any occasion. Its rich layers of flavor, comforting textures, and satisfying aromas will have everyone begging for seconds. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a true Italian classic that feels like a warm embrace from your kitchen to your heart.
“`
Print
Easy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. With a hearty blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, it’s a classic Italian-American comfort food perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, diced onions, and minced garlic until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, optional fennel seeds, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy layer for the lasagna.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the assembled lasagna.
- First Layer Assembly: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, side by side.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a portion of the grated Parmesan on top. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce, ending with a final meat sauce layer topped generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serving optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Fennel seeds are optional but add a subtle anise flavor that complements the sausage.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead; flavors improve after resting.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles as a shortcut, adjusting layering as needed.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
