Classic Lasagne
Classic lasagne features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all nestled between tender curly-edge pasta. This comforting dish offers a savory blend of herbs and cheeses, making it perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground lean pork ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. curly edge lasagne ⓘ
- 1 lb. Ricotta cheese or creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and crushed garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until lightly browned.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, salt, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper to the saucepan.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped parsley, eggs, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Saute meatballs in remaining olive oil until browned; add to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce with meatballs for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cook the curly-edge lasagne pasta until tender, drain.
- Layer the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, sliced mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage instead of just ground chuck. If you prefer a lighter option, swap ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Fresh herbs can elevate the sauce, so feel free to use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna with a simple side salad, such as Italian Bean Salad, for a refreshing contrast. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For a complete meal, consider adding garlic bread or steamed vegetables as sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Lasagne contains roughly 695 calories, with 35g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (191% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% 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
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just adjust the baking time, as it may take a bit longer to heat through from cold.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze either the assembled, uncooked lasagna or leftovers after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
How can I make my lasagna less watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well and simmer the sauce long enough to thicken. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles, as they can release moisture during baking.
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).