Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is layered with rich, slow-cooked beef sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta sheets, and gooey melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 500 g ground beef or beef + pork mix
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Assembly:
- 9 –12 lasagna noodles cooked or oven-ready
- Extra mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions until soft, then add garlic. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles Boil noodles according to package instructions if not using oven-ready ones. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish Add noodles Spread cheese mixture Add meat sauce Sprinkle mozzarella Repeat layers 2–3 times.
- Bake Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Rest Before Serving Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape.