Lasagna is a timeless Italian dish loved by many for its rich flavors, layered texture, and comforting appeal. This classic homemade lasagna recipe combines tender pasta sheets with hearty bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
This lasagna recipe is beloved for many reasons:
- It features authentic Italian flavors including a savory Bolognese sauce.
- It uses fresh layers of pasta, creamy béchamel sauce, and a blend of cheeses.
- It is a crowd-pleaser that works great for gatherings and meal prep.
- The slow-cooked sauce infuses every bite with deep, comforting flavors.
- It’s versatile and can be adapted with various cheeses or meat options.
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or tomato sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups béchamel sauce (white sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, and pour some béchamel sauce.
- Add another layer of noodles and repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel topped with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Serve your classic homemade lasagna warm, directly from the oven, to enjoy its creamy, cheesy layers at their best. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon or a classic Caesar salad for balance. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up the extra sauce. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the rich flavors beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. This dish also goes well with lightly sautéed vegetables or a simple antipasto platter to start the meal.
How to Store Classic Homemade Lasagna
Lasagna stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze it either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking; wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. Proper storage helps maintain the lasagna’s flavors and texture.
Tips to Make Classic Homemade Lasagna
- Use fresh or no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- Let the sauce simmer to deepen flavors before assembling.
- Layer evenly to get nice distinct layers.
- Don’t overload with cheese to keep it balanced.
- Allow lasagna to rest post-baking; it firms up for cleaner slices.
- Mix some egg into ricotta for a creamier texture.
- For extra richness, incorporate béchamel sauce between layers.
- Use a mix of Mozzarella and Provolone for melty cheese layers.
- Add herbs like oregano or basil to the meat sauce for authenticity.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor impact.
Variations of Classic Homemade Lasagna
Explore different variations of lasagna to suit your tastes:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
- Seafood Lasagna: Use shrimp, crab, or scallops with creamy Alfredo sauce instead of tomato base.
- Mexican Lasagna: Substitute Italian ingredients for layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, salsa, black beans, and cheddar cheese.
- White Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded cooked chicken, spinach, ricotta, and béchamel instead of tomato sauce.
- Lasagna Bolognese: Emphasize a traditional rich Bolognese sauce layered with béchamel and Parmesan.
- Brazilian Lasagna: Often features different cheeses and may include sweet corn or cream-style corn.
FAQs
Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake it fresh before serving. Freezing before or after baking is also possible.
Q: What type of cheese is best for lasagna?
A: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic for lasagna. Some recipes include provolone or Romano for different flavors.
Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
A: Use thick sauces and avoid excess moisture from vegetables or watery ricotta. Drain cooked noodles well.
Q: Can I substitute no-boil noodles?
A: Yes, no-boil noodles work well and save time. Just ensure sufficient sauce is used so the noodles soften properly when baking.
Final Thoughts
Classic homemade lasagna is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings family and friends together around the table. Its balance of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor that are hard to resist. With simple ingredients and some patience, this recipe produces a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to try different variations and pairings to make this Italian staple your own.
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Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe features tender pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting Italian meal.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or tomato sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups béchamel sauce (white sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, and pour some béchamel sauce.
6. Add another layer of noodles and repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel topped with cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience.
Simmer the sauce to deepen flavors.
Let lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner layers.
Freeze before or after baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg