Description
This classic homemade lasagna is a comforting and indulgent dish with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. It's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (6 oz) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
16 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Stir until smooth.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by more meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
If the meat sauce is too watery, let it simmer longer to thicken before layering.
For make-ahead options, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next day.
This lasagna can also be frozen. Assemble but don’t bake, then cover tightly and freeze. Add extra baking time when ready to cook.
For no-boil noodles, ensure the sauce is thick to prevent the lasagna from being too runny.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg