Classic Lasagna is a hearty Italian dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta, and melted cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your dish)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Timing

Making Classic Lasagna takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or pork) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Cook Lasagna Noodles: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a layer of meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
4. Cool: Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Classic Lasagna (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	25g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables (like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach) for a vegetarian lasagna.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for added flavor.
• Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Conclusion

Classic Lasagna is a beloved dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!