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Classic Italian Lasagna

Classic Italian Lasagna
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Classic Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food featuring rich layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, this timeless dish blends bold flavors and hearty textures that create lasting memories and satisfy every appetite.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Components

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups high-quality tomato sauce or marinara
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Begin by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a large pan until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and ground pork, cooking until browned and crumbly. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in fresh basil, parsley, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer gently to deepen the flavors while it thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan. Mix well until creamy and smooth, providing a rich layer that balances the acidity of the meat sauce.
  3. Cook the Noodles: Boil traditional lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step for convenience.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a generous amount of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread the ricotta filling evenly, followed by more meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to enhance the flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking noodles; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
  • Let lasagna rest before slicing to hold its shape.
  • Use fresh herbs at the end for brighter flavor.
  • Spread layers evenly for balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian lasagna, classic lasagna, meat sauce, ricotta filling, baked pasta, comfort food, family recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/classic-italian-lasagna/