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Classic Baked Lasagna
This hearty classic baked lasagna layers a savory meat sauce with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Featuring a rich tomato base infused with herbs like basil and oregano, the sauce is simmered to develop deep flavor. Lasagna noodles are par-cooked and layered with a cheese filling seasoned with parsley and egg, then baked to perfection until bubbling and golden. A favorite for family dinners and special occasions, this version uses pantry staples and traditional technique for a dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lbs sweet Italian sausage (or hot Italian sausage, remove casings)
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup onion (finely chopped )
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1½ tsp dried basil leaves
  • ½ tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 tbsp chopped parsley

Cheese Filling:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Additional Layers:

  • ¾ lb mozzarella cheese (sliced)
  • 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • In a large pot, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned.
  • Season with sugar, basil, fennel, 1 tsp salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp parsley.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
  • Simmer, covered, for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook Lasagna Noodles

  • Bring 3 quarts of water and 1 tbsp salt to a boil.
  • Cook noodles for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay noodles flat on waxed paper.

Step 3: Make Cheese Filling

  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and ½ tsp salt.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Spread 1½ cups of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Place 6 noodles lengthwise over the sauce.
  • Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
  • Top with a third of mozzarella slices.
  • Spoon 1½ cups meat sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan.
  • Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

  • Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or ensure it does not touch cheese).
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes.
  • Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious texture.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for traditional Italian flavor.
  • Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms between noodle layers for extra vegetables.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time; add a bit of extra sauce to compensate.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate overnight.
  • Freeze individual portions for easy heat-and-eat meals.
  • Mix Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite.
  • If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 3.4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1350IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 420mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword baked pasta, comfort food, family dinner, hearty meal, homemade sauce, italian classic, lasagna, vintage recipe
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