Classic lasagna is a beloved dish that brings comfort and joy to family dinners. With layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese, it’s a meal that never fails to impress. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this classic recipe will surely delight everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to make classic lasagna. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy nights. Plus, who can resist the smell of cheese bubbling in the oven? Making your own lasagna also allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, giving you complete control over this classic dish.
How to Make Classic Lasagna
Making classic lasagna is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll create a delicious homemade lasagna that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 15-ounce can water (use the tomato sauce can)
- 12-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 24-ounce mozzarella cheese, shredded (can use more)
- 16-ounce cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16-ounce box lasagna noodles (you will only need about 15 noodles)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, add olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until completely browned. Drain fat and return to the pan.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse and set aside.
- Lightly spray a 14 x 11½ x 2¼ baking dish (or two smaller size baking dishes) with non-stick spray. Add a small amount of meat mixture to the bottom of the dish and spread it around.
- Layer about 5 lasagna noodles on top (they can overlap).
- Spread ½ of the cottage cheese on top of the noodles, then spoon ⅓ of the meat mixture over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with ½ of the Parmesan cheese and ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with another set of pasta, cottage cheese, meat mixture, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, place the remaining pasta on top, then add the remaining meat mixture and remaining cheese.
- Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray and cover the dish. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. Remove the foil, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Classic Lasagna
Once your classic lasagna is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve. Slice it into squares and serve it on plates. You can garnish with fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, for a nice touch. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Classic Lasagna
If you have leftovers, you can store classic lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake until warm.
Tips to Make Classic Lasagna
- Use different types of cheese for added flavor. You can experiment with different blends of mozzarella, cheddar, or even feta.
- Make sure to let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before cutting. This helps the layers stay intact.
- You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Variation
For a vegetarian version of classic lasagna, you can replace the ground beef with vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use a mix of ricotta cheese and spinach for the cheese layer for added flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare classic lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze classic lasagna?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing. You can bake it directly from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the baking time.
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, you can use no-boil noodles! Just follow the package instructions for layering them in your sauce.
Classic Lasagna
Ingredients
For the meat sauce
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can water (use the tomato sauce can)
- 1 12-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For assembly
- 24 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (can use more)
- 16 ounces cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles (you will only need about 15 noodles)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, add olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until completely browned. Drain fat and return to the pan.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse and set aside.
Assembly
- Lightly spray a 14 x 11½ x 2¼ baking dish with non-stick spray. Add a small amount of meat mixture to the bottom of the dish and spread it around.
- Layer about 5 lasagna noodles on top (they can overlap).
- Spread ½ of the cottage cheese on top of the noodles, then spoon ⅓ of the meat mixture over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with ½ of the Parmesan cheese and ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with another set of pasta, cottage cheese, meat mixture, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, place the remaining pasta on top, then add the remaining meat mixture and remaining cheese.
Baking
- Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray and cover the dish. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes.
- Remove the foil, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Once your classic lasagna is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve. Slice it into squares and serve it on plates.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, and pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
