Introduction
We welcome you to our kitchen. On a day like this, we want to embark on a cooking journey to create the comfort food known as the classic lasagna. It doesn’t matter if you are cooking dinner for family, a potluck, or just making some homemade goodness, this all moment, never tiring Italian dish will always be a delight to your taste buds. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a ‘I can’t refuse” classic lasagna that will have everyone asking for more.
Classic Lasagna Recipe: A Timeless Italian Dish for Every Occasion
4
servings45
minutes1
hour300
kcalIngredients
1 pound of ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) of tomato paste
1/2 cup of water
2 tablespoons of white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces of ricotta cheese
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 pound of mozzarella cheese, sliced
3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preparing the Sauce
In a large saucepan, ensure to cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Combine and Stir the following: crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon of salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Cover and allow to simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally - Cooking the Noodles
Fill a large pot with water and add small quantity of salt to it. Allow this water to boil. Once the water is boiling, add the lasagna noodles and allow to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente (Italian word which means “to the tooth”, which is often used to refer to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite). afterwards, Drain. - Preparing the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. - Assembling the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Then start by spreading 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise, side by side over the meat sauce. Spoon and Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly. Place one third of mozzarella cheese slices over the ricotta cheese. Spoon another layer of 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce over mozzarella evenly, and sprinkle on it 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the arrangement of the noodles, ricotta cheese, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Place a piece of aluminum foil over the lasagna dish: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
Allow to bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, and allow to bake for an additional 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. - Serving and Enjoying
Once the lasagna is baked to your perfection, allow it to cool for a few minutes, after, slice into hearty portions. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete Italian dining experience.
Conclusion: Congratulations! You’ve just prepared a classic lasagna that’s bound to give a yummy experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this timeless dish is a sure eye and belly pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sauce fill your kitchen as you embark on your culinary adventure. Buon appetito!
Extra: Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a classic lasagna recipe, per serving
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories300
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
15g
24%
- Saturated Fat 6g 30%
- Cholesterol 50mg 17%
- Sodium 600mg 25%
- Total Carbohydrate
30g
10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 15g 30%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Scotti Davis is an experienced recipe blogger and his Haute cuisine knowledge is reflected in his ingenious dishes. He has also developed a talent for pairing tastes perfectly and a passion for sharing his love for cooking meals, and these strengths enable him to create an interesting and mouthwatering menu.