There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Classic Italian Lasagna bubbling away in the oven — rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese sandwiched between perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying a craving, this recipe represents tradition, warmth, and pure flavor. From its golden, cheesy top to its deeply savory heart, Classic Italian Lasagna promises to be the centerpiece of your dinner table and a family favorite for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Classic Italian Lasagna lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component is selected to enhance the flavors, deliver the right texture, and come together in perfect harmony — don’t skip or substitute if you want the real Italian experience!
- Lasagna noodles (12): Cook until just al dente for sturdy yet tender layers that don’t turn mushy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle in your skillet adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to fragrant perfection.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty flavor and satisfying bite; use an 80/20 blend for best results.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds aromatic spice and depth; combining meats is a true nod to tradition.
- Small onion (chopped): Sweet and tender, onion forms the flavor base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): No Classic Italian Lasagna is complete without that unmistakable garlicky undertone.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The heart of your sauce, giving that bright, tangy richness.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Dried basil (2 teaspoons): Provides classic Italian herb notes for depth and aroma.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Essential for authentic Italian taste that pairs so well with tomato.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the sauce and cheese.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of gentle heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup, divided): Adds freshness and color; half goes into the cheese filling, half for garnish.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and mild, this is the signature cheese for the luxurious filling.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture for rich, cohesive layers.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups): Melts into gooey, golden bliss on every bite.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (3/4 cup): Sharp, nutty flavor crowns the top with classic Italian flair.
How to Make Classic Italian Lasagna
Step 1: Boil the Lasagna Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the noodles and gently cook them until they’re just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them firm enough to hold their shape, as they’ll soften further during baking. Carefully drain, then lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool — this little trick keeps them from sticking together and makes assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant — about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, crumble in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s evenly browned, rendering out most of the fat. Don’t forget to drain any excess! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes so all the flavors meld together and the sauce becomes thick and hearty. For extra traditional depth, a splash of red wine is always welcome here.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
While your sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese with a large egg and half of your freshly chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich, savory cheese layer creates those delicious, creamy bites nestled between the noodles and sauce layers — totally irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part! Start by spreading about 1 cup of your beautiful meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down 4 noodles over the sauce (they can overlap slightly). Layer on one-third of the ricotta mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and another cup of meat sauce. Repeat this process twice more, building up those iconic, mouthwatering layers. End with noodles, the last of the sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for that signature golden top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your assembled lasagna snugly with aluminum foil (this keeps it moist). Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, so the top turns irresistibly bubbly and golden brown. The aroma at this point is absolute heaven — you’ll barely be able to resist digging in right away!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Here’s the hardest part: patience! Let your Classic Italian Lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This brief pause allows everything to set — giving you those neat, gorgeous slices everyone swoons over. Finish with a final flourish of the remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra herby freshness.
How to Serve Classic Italian Lasagna
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the classic finish, but don’t hesitate to add a little extra grated Parmesan for an ultra-savory touch. If you want to get a bit fancy, a drizzle of really good olive oil or a few torn basil leaves right before serving can truly elevate each slice of your Classic Italian Lasagna to restaurant-quality status.
Side Dishes
This filling dish loves a simple, crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness beautifully. Add some warm, crusty Italian bread to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate. For a more festive meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed spinach to round everything out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, slice the lasagna at the table for a bit of drama — everyone loves seeing those perfectly stacked layers. Want to impress? Serve individual lasagna squares on shallow bowls with a spoonful of extra sauce and a dusting of Parmesan. For special occasions, bake mini-lasagnas in ramekins for personalized little servings of Classic Italian Lasagna that’ll make every guest feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to airtight containers. Classic Italian Lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and somehow, the flavors seem to deepen and improve overnight!
Freezing
Lasagna is incredibly freezer-friendly. Simply let cooled slices chill completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic and foil, or pack them into freezer-safe containers. Stored properly, Classic Italian Lasagna will keep in the freezer for up to three months, making it the ultimate prepare-ahead dish.
Reheating
To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm in 60-second increments until heated through, or reheat in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. A little splash of water before reheating keeps it wonderfully moist and prevents the edges from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Italian Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assembling your lasagna up to a day before baking not only makes dinner a breeze, but actually lets the flavors meld together for even tastier results. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What type Main Course
Traditional noodles that require boiling give the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, no-boil noodles can save time. If you use no-boil, be sure your sauce is extra saucy so the pasta cooks through nicely in the oven.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
While ricotta is traditional for Classic Italian Lasagna, cottage cheese can work as a budget-friendly swap. Expect a slightly different texture and flavor, but the results are still comforting and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef and sausage for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, and use all your favorite Italian seasonings. The cheese and sauce layers remain just as scrumptious.
How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?
Be sure to simmer the meat sauce long enough so excess liquid evaporates, and allow the lasagna to rest after baking so everything sets. Using a well-drained ricotta mixture also helps keep your Classic Italian Lasagna nicely layered and sliceable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t imagine a more satisfying comfort dinner than Classic Italian Lasagna. Each forkful bursts with flavor, encourages togetherness, and shows just how magical simple, time-honored ingredients can be. Gather your loved ones and treat everyone (and yourself!) to this Italian classic — you just might find yourself making it a new tradition.
Print
Classic Italian Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic flavors of Italy with this hearty and comforting Classic Italian Lasagna recipe. Layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses come together to create a dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 small onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (divided)
Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and cool.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, beef, and sausage. Add tomatoes, paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Make the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta and egg.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove foil and bake until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked lasagna up to 24 hours in advance.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
