How to Make Classic and Traditional Lasagna At Home

Dive into “Timeless Taste: Classic and Traditional Lasagna,” a rich and hearty dish that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. This lasagna layers tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all smothered in a robust tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, special occasion, or any day that calls for a delicious, filling meal, this traditional lasagna is baked to perfection, offering layers of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Classic and Traditional Lasagna:
Rich and Satisfying: Packed with layers of cheese, meat, and sauce, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for feeding a large group, as it can be made ahead and baked when needed.
Versatile: Easy to customize with different fillings and cheeses based on your preferences.
A True Classic: This traditional recipe stays true to its Italian roots, delivering authentic flavors.

Ingredients Notes For Classic and Traditional Lasagna:

lasagna noodles that require boiling; for convenience, no-boil noodles are also a great option.
, providing rich, savory flavors. Some .
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers. You can mix it with an egg to help set the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese layer. Freshly grated works best.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor when sprinkled on top.
Tomato Sauce: Homemade or a good quality jarred marinara sauce for rich tomato flavor.
, basil, and oregano are essential for authentic Italian flavoring.

Recipe Steps:

Prepare the Sauce: with onions and garlic until browned. Add marinara sauce, basil, and oregano, simmering to develop the flavors.
Cook the Noodles: If using traditional noodles, boil them until al dente. Rinse under cold water and lay flat on towels to dry.
Mix Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta cheese with an egg, salt, pepper, and a handful of Parmesan for added flavor.
, start with a layer of sauce, then noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Storage Options:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

How to Make Classic and Traditional Lasagn At Home

Ingredients

or the Meat Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork optional; you can use all beef if preferred
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Ricotta Mixture:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles cooked according to package instructions and drained
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine if using. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

  1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Layer four lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly to fit.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Serve:

  1. Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm w

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