Ultimate Classic Lasagna Recipe
If you love homemade Italian comfort food, this classic lasagna recipe is a must-try! Loaded with layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and potlucks. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to prep ahead and reheat lasagna like a pro!
Ingredients:
Lasagna Noodles: 1 ½ boxes (about 24 cooked noodles I use Barilla)
Marinara Sauce: 3 jars (I love the one from Aldi adjust to taste)
Italian Sausage: 2 lbs, mild & ground (adds deep flavor!)
Cottage Cheese: 1 (24 oz) container, small curd, 4% milkfat (for creaminess)
Ricotta Cheese: 3 (15 oz) containers
Mozzarella Cheese: 3 (8 oz) bricks, grated fresh (save some for topping)
Eggs: 3 large (helps bind the layers)
Herbs & Seasonings:
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp white sugar (balances acidity)
¼ tsp nutmeg (adds warmth)
¼ tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
A sprinkle of black pepper
Fresh Basil (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Meat & Pasta
In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage, breaking it into fine crumbles. Drain excess oil & let cool.
Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain & lay flat on paper towels.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
Grate all mozzarella (save one brick for topping).
In a bowl, mix: ricotta, cottage cheese, 2 bricks of mozzarella, eggs, oregano, parsley, sugar, nutmeg, garlic salt, & black pepper. Stir until creamy.
Assemble the Lasagna
Use two 9×13 trays (one meat, one cheese-only if preferred).
Add 1 jar of marinara to each tray. Swirl in a bit of water to get all the sauce from the jar.
If using fresh basil, add leaves to the bottom of each tray.
Layer & Roll
For Meat Lasagna:
Spread 3-4 tbsp ricotta mix on each noodle.
Add 2 tbsp cooked sausage on top.
Roll each noodle loosely and place seam-side down in the tray.
For Cheese Lasagna:
Follow the same process, without meat.
Top both trays with the last jar of marinara sauce, spreading evenly.
If you have extra sausage or ricotta, dollop it on top.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly.
Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil (spray underside with nonstick spray) and bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 30 minutes until golden & bubbly.
Let rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting this prevents a watery mess!
Meal Prep & Reheating Tips:
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 2 days in advance & refrigerate. Bring to room temp before baking.
Reheating: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Freezing: Store baked or unbaked lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna:
Authentic Italian flavors hearty, rich & cheesy!
Perfect for meal prep tastes even better the next day!
Family-friendly a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Try this easy homemade lasagna today & let us know your favorite variations!
