How to Make a Perfect Classic Lasagna

Taste the classic flavors that make lasagna one of the most beloved Italian dishes around the world. With its rich sauce, layered noodle and cheese layers, and the savory meat filling, this dish is a true comfort food. Learn how to make your own perfect lasagna with these simple steps. Perfect for family gatherings or weekend meals, you’ll be able to serve delicious lasagna in no time at all.

Preparation Time: 1 hour

Serving Size: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• For the meat sauce:
  • 3 pounds ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes (preferably 28 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the cheese layer:
  • 1 container of ricotta cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the béchamel sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • Salt, pepper, nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce. Start by browning your ground beef or Italian sausage in a large pot. Add onions and garlic once the meat is browned and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with eggs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, salt, and pepper until it forms a smooth consistency. You can also add some of the meat sauce to this mixture for extra flavor if desired.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce. In another pot, melt butter over medium heat then stir in flour to make a roux and gradually whisk in milk until it thickens into a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes or until it coats a spoon easily.

Step 4: Layering the Lasagna. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In an 8x8 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Top with two layers of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce and cheese mixture. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up, ending with a thick layer of béchamel sauce on top.

Step 5: Baking the Lasagna. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately one hour in the preheated oven. Once done, remove from oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Tricks:

To make this even more delicious, you can add extra layers of béchamel sauce between each layer of noodles to give your lasagna a creamier texture. For a richer flavor, marinate the meat sauce in red wine overnight if possible. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms also makes an excellent addition to the dish.

Leftovers are just as delicious and can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage.

Why You Should Try This Recipe:

This recipe is perfect for those who love comfort food and want something that’s both simple to make but packed with rich flavors. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, having friends over, or just enjoying some quality time alone, this lasagna will leave everyone satisfied.

The classic combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and béchamel sauce creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. It's an excellent source of protein from the meat and eggs, calcium from the cheese, and iron and vitamins from the tomatoes. Serve this with some garlic bread on the side for added flavor.

<

p>Lasagna is a versatile dish too – it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable-based meats instead of beef or Italian sausage, and you can substitute the ground meat in béchamel sauce for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream if needed.