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The Ultimate Classic Homemade Lasagna: Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta Layers

A thick, layered slice of homemade lasagna featuring rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping.
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Make a deeply flavorful, classic Italian-American lasagna with rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and creamy ricotta cheese layers. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  3. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Arrange a layer of cooked noodles over the sauce.
  8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  9. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  10. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  11. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  12. Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
  13. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  14. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  15. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, brown 1/2 pound of Italian sausage along with the ground beef.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, but adjust liquid in the sauce slightly if needed.
  • The best cheese for lasagna includes a mix of whole milk ricotta and low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
  • You can assemble this entire dish a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Add 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/homemade-lasagna-recipe-classic-layers/