If you’re looking for a dish that brings the family together, look no further than this classic Italian lasagna. It’s a hearty, layered dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a favorite for gatherings and cozy dinners alike.
This lasagna is like a warm embrace on a plate. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients you might have in your fridge.
Whether you’re preparing a special Sunday dinner or simply craving a comforting meal, this lasagna recipe checks all the boxes. It’s straightforward to make and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or spices.
Deliciously Layered Classic Italian Lasagna
This Italian lasagna stands out with its layers of tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce all topped with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
It combines the savory flavors of ground beef and tomatoes, creating a delightful dish that is filling and satisfying. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures, from the tender noodles to the bubbling cheese on top.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The beauty of lasagna lies not only in its layers but also in the quality of its ingredients. Using fresh produce, quality meat, and artisanal cheeses can elevate the dish significantly.
Start with fresh basil, which adds a burst of flavor, and opt for high-quality cheeses to achieve that perfect melt. The use of homemade béchamel sauce can further enhance the creaminess that defines this classic dish.
Preparing the Perfect Meat Sauce
The foundation of a great lasagna is a flavorful meat sauce. Sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil creates a fragrant base before adding the ground beef.
Cooking the beef until browned, then incorporating crushed tomatoes and spices allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simmering this sauce for a while ensures that every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.
Layering for Success
The art of layering is crucial for a successful lasagna. Starting with a thin layer of meat sauce prevents the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish, followed by the noodles themselves.
Next comes the béchamel, more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. This process is repeated until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles and a generous topping of cheese to create that golden crust.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the lasagna requires patience. Covering the dish with foil traps steam, allowing the lasagna to cook evenly, while removing it towards the end gives that beautiful golden finish.
Letting the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing ensures neat portions, making it easier to serve. Garnishing with fresh basil just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This classic Italian dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A glass of red wine can complement the flavors beautifully.
Lasagna is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. Each slice reveals those beautiful layers, ready to be enjoyed by all.
Deliciously Layered Classic Italian Lasagna
This Italian lasagna features layers of tender pasta, a rich meat sauce made with ground beef and tomatoes, creamy béchamel sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The result is a dish that’s both filling and flavorful, with a delightful combination of textures in each bite.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups béchamel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the béchamel sauce over the noodles. Add half of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of noodles, remaining béchamel, and topping with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g