Ultimate Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe for Family Gatherings
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s a timeless dish everyone will love. The blend of Italian herbs and fresh ingredients creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to assemble and baked to golden perfection, it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225g) ground Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Assembly:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flavorful Meat Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef and sausage; cook until browned. Drain any excess fat for a leaner sauce.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
3. Preheat the Oven for Baking Perfection:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add 3 lasagna noodles, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to make slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy the layers of cheesy, saucy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. Its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles make it a timeless favorite. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
