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The Best Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Ricotta

A thick, layered slice of homemade lasagna featuring rich meat sauce and creamy cheese, with a beautifully browned, crispy top.
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Make this classic Italian-American lasagna from scratch. It features rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and layers of melted mozzarella for a satisfying, comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops the rich flavor.
  5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
  14. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  16. Rest and serve: Let the homemade lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a make ahead lasagna, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef in the meat sauce.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use pureed tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/homemade-lasagna-best-classic-recipe/