Classic Lasagna Recipe – Authentic Italian Layered Pasta

Classic Lasagna Recipe – Few dishes embody the heart of Italian home cooking quite like a Classic Lasagna Recipe. This layered masterpiece of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel (or ricotta mixture), and bubbling melted cheese is the ultimate comfort food — warm, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

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Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, lasagna is a symbol of family gatherings and hearty celebrations. Each layer tells a story — perfectly cooked pasta sheets holding together a rich ragù simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, topped with generous layers of cheese that melt into perfection.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Active Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course / Dinner
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

• Ground beef – 500 grams (1 lb)

• Italian sausage – 200 grams (optional, for richer flavor)

• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons

• Crushed tomatoes – 800 grams (28 oz can)

• Tomato sauce – 400 grams (14 oz can)

• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon

• Dried basil – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – to taste

• Black pepper – to taste

• Sugar – ½ teaspoon (to balance acidity)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• Ricotta cheese – 2 cups

• Egg – 1 large

• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated

• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped

• Salt and pepper – to taste

For the Layers:

• Lasagna noodles – 12 sheets (boiled or oven-ready)

• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded

• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated

Optional:

• Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Mixing bowls

• Baking dish (9×13 inches)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Aluminum foil

• Cheese grater

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using). Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds a beautiful creaminess to your lasagna layers.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Sheets

If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish — this prevents the noodles from sticking.

Now start layering:

1. Add a layer of lasagna noodles (3–4 sheets, slightly overlapping).

2. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.

3. Add one-third of the meat sauce.

4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

Repeat these layers two more times (noodles → ricotta → sauce → cheese).

Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian meal.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna

1. Use quality cheese: Fresh mozzarella and real Parmesan make a huge difference.

2. Let it rest: Never skip the resting time — it keeps the layers intact.

3. Customize your sauce: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even red wine for a deeper flavor.

4. Meal prep friendly: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate overnight or freeze for later use.

5. Balance the sauce: A little sugar helps reduce tomato acidity and enhances flavor.

Conclusion

The Classic Lasagna Recipe is a labor of love — each layer carefully crafted to create a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming. The rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together in perfect harmony, making every bite pure comfort.