Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Picture layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce bubbling away, and cheesy goodness melting together in perfect harmony. rich beef dishes This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your heart too, especially when served at family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. stuffed pasta variations.

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I’ll never forget the first time I attempted to make my own Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. My kitchen looked like a war zone, but the smell? Heavenly! It became an instant favorite, and now it’s a staple at every family event. Get ready to savor every bite as you create this timeless classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.

I vividly remember the time I made this lasagna for my family’s Sunday dinner. Everyone was so enthusiastic that they devoured the entire dish in one sitting.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Use no-boil noodles for convenience or traditional ones if you prefer that authentic texture.
• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being overly greasy.
• Onions: Chopped onions add sweetness; sauté them until translucent for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a fragrant punch; don’t skimp on this aromatic ingredient.
• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce; they provide an excellent base full of flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A small amount adds depth and richness to your meat sauce; it’s essential!
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds that quintessential Italian flavor; homemade is best if you have time!
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness and balances the flavors in your lasagna beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates that ooey-gooey layer we all dream about in lasagna.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top gives a lovely finishing touch and enhances flavor dramatically.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking your meat and vegetables; it enriches the overall taste profile. hearty vegetable soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance flavors throughout the recipe; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.

Add Your Meats and Sauce: Toss in ground beef into the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

Mix Your Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth; this will be your cheesy layer.

Create Your Layers: Start layering by placing a bit of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared dish. savory meat and cheese sliders Add noodles followed by ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and more meat sauce—repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.

Bake Until Bubbly: Cover with foil (to prevent browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, then bake another 15 minutes until golden brown.

Now that you’ve crafted this delicious Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce from scratch, serve it hot! Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for an unforgettable meal that warms both heart and soul.

Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with loved ones while basking in their compliments!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your meat sauce first, then boil the noodles while assembling layers. This ensures everything cooks efficiently and stays hot during serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrients. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor profile wonderfully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warm, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

Sharing my first attempt at making classic lasagna was a hilarious disaster! My friends still tease me about how I mistook baking paper for parchment—who knew?

FAQ

Can I make classic lasagna with meat sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What type of cheese works best in classic lasagna?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a beautifully rich flavor combination.

How long should I bake classic lasagna with meat sauce?

Bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a hearty dish that combines layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese for a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.
5. Start layering: spread some meat sauce at the bottom of the dish, add noodles, followed by ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then bake another 15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrients. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its structure.