Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce
A rich and hearty dish featuring layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd and bringing comfort to family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork) Use lean meat for a healthier option
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For a bit of heat
- 1 tsp sugar To balance acidity
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture and Assembly
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles (cooked al dente, or use oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley (or basil) until creamy and well-combined.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients as follows: place the cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by meat sauce, the ricotta mixture, and a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process for 3–4 layers, finishing with noodles, meat sauce, and a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
Keep a close eye on your baking time to ensure your lasagna comes out perfectly cooked. If the top is browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly or cover it loosely with foil during baking. Let it rest before cutting; this will help keep the layers intact. Serve warm with additional fresh herbs or parsley if desired.
