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Classic Lasagna

Classic Family Lasagna

2 hoursIntermediateServes 12

Lasagna is the ultimate expression of love on a plate—layer upon layer of comfort that takes time, patience, and intention. This recipe has fed countless family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and celebrations in my home. There's something so satisfying about building those layers, knowing that each one brings you closer to creating something truly special. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure magic, and that first bite—with all those flavors melding together—is worth every minute of preparation.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

  • • 1 lb ground beef
  • • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • • 1 large onion, diced
  • • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • • 6 oz tomato paste
  • • 2 tsp dried basil
  • • 2 tsp oregano
  • • 1 tsp salt
  • • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese Layer:

  • • 32 oz ricotta cheese
  • • 2 large eggs
  • • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • • 1 tsp salt
  • • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Assembly:

  • • 1 lb lasagna noodles
  • • 16 oz mozzarella, shredded
  • • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. 2. For meat sauce: Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking up as it cooks, about 10 minutes.
  3. 3. Add diced onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5. Simmer sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have melded together.
  6. 6. For cheese mixture: Combine ricotta, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  7. 7. To assemble: Spread 1 cup meat sauce in bottom of greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over sauce.
  8. 8. Spread 1/3 of ricotta mixture over noodles, then 1/3 of remaining meat sauce, and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese.
  9. 9. Repeat layers twice more: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and all the parmesan cheese.
  10. 10. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • Let the meat sauce simmer long enough to develop deep flavors
  • • Don't skip the resting time—it helps the layers set perfectly
  • • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better flavor
  • • Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months for easy meals
  • • Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad
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