Here’s a classic lasagna recipe that matches your description—layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, baked to golden perfection:
Classic Layered Lasagna
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cheese layers:
- 15–18 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for ricotta mixture)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
- Cook noodles
- Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions (if not using no-boil noodles).
- Prepare cheese mixture
- Mix ricotta cheese with egg (if using) and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella.
- Add more meat sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
💡 Tips for Next-Level Lasagna:
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese layer.
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley) sprinkled on top add brightness.
If you want, I can make a “5-ingredient shortcut lasagna” that’s just as cheesy and flavorful but takes under 30 minutes to assemble. Do you want me to do that?
