Lasagna Classica (1 Hr, 20 Mins)

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Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a hearty and delicious homemade dinner. It’s an easy and versatile meal that can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. The layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese make it a favorite among both kids and adults. This recipe uses traditional ingredients and flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying option for any night of the week. Let’s get started! 

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 package (8 oz) lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender.
  3. Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping each noodle.
  6. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers of noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the meat sauce.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Lasagna is one of those meals my kids ask for almost weekly and always seems to satisfy. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I typically serve this dish with a loaf of crusty, buttered bread and a simple side salad. Enjoy! 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the lasagna
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 1180mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 37g

Pair this with...

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!