Classic Lasagna – A Comforting Layered Favorite

Classic Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese baked to perfection. This recipe keeps all the indulgent flavor while using simple, wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying dish you’ll want to bring to the table for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy weekends at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Timeless Classic: A dish that never goes out of style.
Family Favorite: Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to please.
Balanced Comfort: Layers of protein, pasta, and cheese in one hearty meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better reheated the next day.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought, low sodium if preferred)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or turkey) with onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Mix Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble Lasagna
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

• Layer 3 noodles over sauce.
• Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, then add more sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
• Repeat layers two more times.
  Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve
Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 26g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Prevent Sticking: Lay cooked noodles flat on parchment while assembling.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and part-skim cheeses for a leaner version.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Works

Layering pasta, cheese, and hearty meat sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish that is flavorful, comforting, and filling. The baking time allows all the layers to meld together, giving you tender noodles, savory sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite.

Classic Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. With its layers of rich sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it delivers comfort and satisfaction in every serving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a make-ahead dinner, this lasagna is a timeless recipe worth keeping in your rotation.