Classic Lasagna
Classic lasagna features layers of rich meat sauce, melted cheeses, and tender noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its savory flavors and comforting texture make it a timeless choice for those craving a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- lasagna noodles (cooked as directed on package) ⓘ
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano to the browned beef and onion; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Cook and drain lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; substitute dried oregano with fresh if available. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for turkey or use a mix of vegetables like spinach and zucchini, as seen in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze on top can add an elegant touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Pat'S Microwave All-In-One Lasagna for those looking for quick alternatives. For a more robust meal, consider pairing with a nice red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Lasagna contains roughly 444 calories, with 22g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese. For a twist, try using a blend of Italian cheeses. However, the texture and meltability of mozzarella are hard to replicate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).