In the world of cozy and comforting dishes, few recipes can compete with the timeless appeal of a Classic Lasagna. Layers of rich, savory flavors melded together between sheets of pasta, bubbling cheese, and hearty tomato sauce create a dish that is not only delicious but also perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you are looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or simply craving a hearty family meal, this Classic Lasagna recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
**Classic Lasagna**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
– 1/2 cup water
– 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté until the onion is softened.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create the cheese filling.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping each other.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
11. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14. Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This Classic Lasagna recipe is a labor of love that results in a deeply satisfying and indulgent dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The hearty flavors of the meat sauce, creamy richness of the cheese filling, and comforting layers of pasta come together to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve this lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish with your loved ones as you create lasting memories around the dinner table.
