Name: Classic Cheesy Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 lb ground beef or sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Classic Cheesy Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and an abundance of melted cheese. This timeless dish is beloved for its hearty flavors and satisfying texture, making it a staple in family kitchens worldwide.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures: savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and customizable. Ideal for gatherings or Sunday dinners, it also makes excellent leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles
Ground beef or sausage
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese
Egg (for cheese layer)
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Olive oil

directions

Boil lasagna noodles until al dente and set aside.
In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Finish with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 8. Prep time is 30 minutes; cooking time is 40 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
White Lasagna: Use béchamel sauce and chicken instead of red sauce.
Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes to the meat sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Should I cook the noodles first?

Yes, unless you are using no-boil lasagna noodles.

Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes, baked or unbaked lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months.

What’s the best cheese blend?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create a perfect combination.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain the meat and avoid over-saucing. Let it rest before slicing.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer ingredients and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

How long should I let it rest?

Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes helps firm the layers.

Can I substitute ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a common alternative.

What’s the ideal baking dish size?

A 9×13-inch dish works best for even layers.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Yes, basil and parsley add excellent flavor.

Conclusion

Classic Cheesy Lasagna is a beloved family favorite for good reason. With rich layers of flavor and a golden cheesy topping, it delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for making ahead and enjoying leftovers, it’s a staple dish worth mastering.

Classic Cheesy Lasagna

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Classic Cheesy Lasagna is a hearty and comforting layered pasta dish featuring rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixtures, and perfectly cooked noodles, baked to golden perfection.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Boil lasagna noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.