Classic Italian Lasagna: A Layered Symphony of Flavor

Learn how to make lasagna the easy way! My simple, delicious lasagna recipe is perfect for weeknights or a special Taste Of Home Traditional Lasagna Recipe. Get the secrets!

June 6, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, let's get down to business! ever crave something so comforting, so utterly satisfying that it just hugs you from the inside out? yeah, that’s lasagna .

Today, we're diving deep into how to make lasagna , the kind of lasagna that'll have everyone fighting over the last piece.

Seriously.

The Lowdown on Lasagna

Lasagna, born in italy, is more than just food, you know? it's a symbol of family, tradition and pure comfort.

Think layers of pasta, rich sauce, creamy cheese… bellissimo! this basic lasagna recipe ground beef is a medium-level endeavor. it takes some time to build but it's totally worth it.

This recipe will give you around 8-10 servings, perfect for a gathering or some serious leftovers.

Classic Italian Lasagna: A Layered Symphony of Flavor Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:50 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain well. Be careful to not overcook them; they should still have a slight bite.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
• Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
• Repeat layers 6-9.
• Top with the remaining lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape.

Why This Lasagna?

Honestly, there are a million taste of home traditional lasagna recipe options. but this one? this one’s special. it's pure, unadulterated comfort.

We're talking next-level delicious. the health benefit? well, it feeds your soul, doesn't it? perfect for a sunday dinner, a potluck, or even just a "treat yo'self" kind of night.

Plus, you can totally make it an easy lasagna freezer meal for later.

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's dive in!

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. to nail this taste of home traditional lasagna recipe , you need the right gear and goodies.

Think of this bit as equipping your kitchen for a delicious adventure!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lasagna Arsenal

Main Ingredients Breakdown

This ain’t a race; it's how to make lasagna the right way! Prep matters, trust me.

• Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon (US: 1 tbsp, Metric: 15 ml ). Extra virgin, baby! Adds a fruity touch.

• Onion : 1 large , chopped (US: 1 medium, Metric: ~150g ). Yellow or white, it's all good. Dice it nice and small for even cooking.

• Garlic : 2 cloves , minced (US: 2 cloves, Metric: ~6g ). Fresh is best, honestly. But jarred works in a pinch.

• Ground Beef : 1 pound (US: 1 lb, Metric: 450g ). Aim for 80/20. Some fat equals flavour. You can find Basic Lasagna Recipe Ground Beef everywhere!

• Italian Sausage : 1/2 pound , removed from casing (US: 0.5 lb, Metric: 225g ). Sweet or hot, whatever tickles your fancy. I prefer sweet, personally.

• Crushed Tomatoes : 1 (28 ounce) can (US: 28 oz, Metric: 794g ). Quality matters here. Look for San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.

• Tomato Sauce : 1 (15 ounce) can (US: 15 oz, Metric: 425g ). Plain ol' tomato sauce will do.

• Tomato Paste : 1 (6 ounce) can (US: 6 oz, Metric: 170g ). This thickens the sauce and adds richness.

• Dried Oregano & Basil : 1 teaspoon each (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 5 ml ). Essential for that Italian flavour.

• Salt & Pepper : 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper (US: 0.5 tsp/0.25 tsp, Metric: 2.5 ml/1.25 ml ). Season to taste, obvs.

• Parsley : 1/4 cup , chopped (optional) (US: 0.25 cup, Metric: ~15g ). Adds a fresh pop of green.

• Ricotta Cheese : 15 ounces (US: 15 oz, Metric: 425g ). Whole milk ricotta is the bomb. It is vital in Easy Cheese Lasagna .

• Egg : 1 large , beaten (US: 1 egg, Metric: ~50g ). Binds the ricotta filling.

• Parmesan Cheese : 1/4 cup , grated (US: 0.25 cup, Metric: ~25g ). Adds salty, cheesy goodness.

• Nutmeg : 1/8 teaspoon (US: 0.125 tsp, Metric: pinch). A secret ingredient. Seriously, it makes all the difference.

• Lasagna Noodles : 9 , cooked (US: 9 noodles, Metric: ~250g dry weight). Oven Ready Noodle Lasagna Recipe can save you time!

• Mozzarella Cheese : 3 cups , shredded (US: 3 cups, Metric: ~300g ). Low-moisture, part-skim melts best.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice Rack Symphony

Essential spice combinations make or break a lasagna. oregano and basil are non-negotiable. a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce? yes, please! for flavour enhancers , a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of the sauce simmer brightens things.

If you're out of oregano, italian seasoning is a decent substitution option . remember that an easy bake lasagna doesn't mean bland!

Equipment Needed: Essential Tools Only

You don't need a fancy kitchen. Really!

• Large skillet or Dutch oven : For the meat sauce. It should be big enough to hold it all.

• 9x13 inch baking dish : The classic size for lasagna. If you don't have one, two smaller dishes work, too.

• Mixing bowls : For the ricotta filling.

• Colander : For draining the cooked noodles. Don't overcook!

• Wooden spoon or spatula : For stirring the sauce.

No fancy equipment is needed for this simple delicious lasagna recipe . a basic kitchen is enough to try easy oven lasagna recipe .

A casserole dish works as a common household alternative to a 9x13 pan.

Cooking Method: Lasagna, Baby!

Okay, so you wanna know how to make lasagna ? honestly , it’s easier than you think! some people are intimidated, thinking it’s only for italian grandmothers.

Nah, mate. i am going to show you how to make easy lasagna ! plus, it's a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Let's get this sorted, shall we?

Prep Power: Get Your Mise en Place On!

First things first: the mise en place . this is chef speak for "get your sht together." chop your onions, mince your garlic, grate your cheese.

Get everything prepped. this step will save you a ton of time later. no one wants to be chopping onions with a burning sauce.

I've been there, trust me. time-saving tip? get pre-shredded mozzarella. no shame in that game.

Building Blocks: Step-by-Step Taste Of Home Traditional Lasagna Recipe

Right, here’s the drill for making this simple delicious lasagna recipe . It sounds fancy, but it is not that hard.

1. Brown your ground beef and sausage in a pan. Drain that nasty grease. No one wants a greasy lasagna. Ew .
2. Stir in the onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. I like to let mine go for an hour for a deeper flavour.
3. Mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl. Don't overmix!
4. Cook your lasagna noodles. Don't overcook them! They should have a slight bite. Trust me.
5. Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, layer noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Repeat, repeat, repeat, finishing with a sauce and cheese layer.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes . Or, until the cheese is all bubbly and gorgeous.
7. Let it rest for at least 10- 15 minutes . I know, it's hard. But trust me, it needs to set.

Lasagna Pro Tips

Wanna step up your easy baked lasagna recipes ?

• Don't overcook the noodles. Seriously . It will ruin the whole thing. Slightly undercooked is the way to go.
• Let it rest. It’s crucial! Otherwise, you will end up with a soupy mess.
• Easy Cheese Lasagna? Get good quality cheese! It’s worth the splurge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: So the easy cheese lasagna recipe can be a real winner, here are the biggest things to look out for.

• Too much ricotta! A thin layer is all you need.
• Not enough sauce! You want enough sauce to keep the noodles moist. No one likes dry lasagna, right?
• Skipping the rest time! You'll regret it.

So there you have it! you know now how to make lasagna . whether you are after the easiest lasagna ever , a cheat lasagna recipe , or just a basic lasagna recipe ground beef , this process will help! now get cooking.

Alright, you've got the taste of home traditional lasagna recipe basics down! but, let's talk about jazzing things up and making it truly your lasagna.

Here are some extra bits and bobs to consider when you how to make lasagna .

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so you've slaved away how to make easy lasagna . now, don't just plop it on a plate! think restaurant style, yeah? a nice square slice, maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley? i love serving it with a simple green salad, just to cut through the richness.

Honestly , a side of crusty garlic bread is a must. and for drinks? a nice glass of chianti, or even just a crisp lemonade, does the trick!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you’ve made a huge batch of Easy Bake Lasagna . Oh my gosh , leftovers! Here's what to do:

• Refrigeration: Let it cool completely, then wrap it up tight. It'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This is where Easy Lasagna Freezer Meal comes in handy. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each one well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Easiest lasagna ever? Yup. Reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through, or zap it in the microwave if you're in a rush!

Variations: Mixing it Up!

Wanna get a little wild? Here's how:

• Dietary Adaptations: For a lighter version, try using turkey mince instead of beef and skimmed ricotta. To make it vegetarian, load it up with roasted veggies!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, zucchini and bell peppers are amazing. In the winter, try adding some butternut squash! It is a Simple Delicious Lasagna Recipe made Seasonal.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's be real, lasagna is not exactly health food! haha! but it does have some good stuff. you're getting protein from the meat and cheese, and some calcium, too.

Just keep the portion sizes reasonable. you know ? and maybe add that salad i mentioned! it is an easy cheese lasagna recipe that should be enjoyed with moderation.

So, there you have it! a cheat lasagna recipe but also easy oven lasagna recipe. now go forth and create some lasagna magic! don't be afraid to experiment.

After all, cooking should be fun. i am confident, easiest lasagna ever it's more achievable than you think!