Name: Classic Lasagna: A Beloved Taste
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes; 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste; 2 (6.5 ounce) cans V8 juice; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles; 3 cups ricotta cheese; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 pounds mozzarella cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with love and the aroma of simmering tomato sauce. Here at 911Recipes, we believe in food that connects us. Food that brings families together around the table. This lasagna recipe is exactly that. It’s simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Clara Kohn, our founder, created this recipe to bring that comforting, nostalgic feeling right into your home. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories. Get ready to make a dish everyone will adore.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

To create this amazing Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce, you’ll need a few key things. Having everything ready makes the cooking process so much smoother. I always lay out all my ingredients before I start. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance!

Let’s get everything you need right here. This ensures your lasagna turns out just perfect. You won’t miss a single thing. It’s all about being prepared for a fantastic meal.

The Heart of the Dish: Meat Sauce Ingredients

The foundation of any great lasagna is its meat sauce. For this, we’ll use a pound of ground beef and a pound of Italian sausage. These two together give the sauce incredible depth. I love the slight spice from the Italian sausage. You’ll also need a large onion, chopped fine. And of course, two cloves of garlic, minced so their flavor really infuses the sauce. These simple additions make all the difference.

Pasta and Cheese Layers for Classic Lasagna

For the layers, you’ll need 12 lasagna noodles. Make sure to cook them according to the package directions. Don’t overcook them! For the creamy filling, we’re using 3 cups of ricotta cheese. This gets mixed with one lightly beaten egg and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. And for that gooey, cheesy goodness, you’ll need 2 pounds of shredded mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect melt-in-your-mouth topping.

Crafting Your Delicious Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Now for the fun part! Let’s get this amazing Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce put together. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. We’ll tackle it step-by-step. I always feel a little like an artist when I’m layering. It’s about building flavor and texture.

Preparing the Savory Meat Sauce

First, grab a big pot. Add your ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook them over medium heat until they’re nicely browned. Drain off any extra fat. This step is key for a clean flavor. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they’re soft. Now, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and V8 juice. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Stir it now and then. For an even richer taste, you can let it simmer for an hour!

Assembling the Layers of Classic Lasagna

While the sauce simmers, cook your lasagna noodles. Follow the package directions carefully. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. In a separate bowl, mix your ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, and the Parmesan cheese. This makes a lovely creamy layer. Now, for assembly! Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking. Lay down 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of your ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Then, sprinkle one-third of your mozzarella cheese. Spoon about one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat these layers: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce. You’re building something wonderful!

Baking and Resting Your Classic Lasagna

Top with the final layer of noodles. Cover them with the remaining meat sauce. Make sure to spread the rest of your mozzarella cheese over the top. It will get beautifully golden. Cover the whole baking dish tightly with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes with the foil on. This lets everything heat through. Then, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 20-25 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown on top. This is the best part! Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set. It makes slicing so much easier.

Tips for Perfect Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Making a truly perfect Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is all about a few little tricks. I’ve learned these over many years in my own kitchen. They really make a difference. Your lasagna will be a showstopper!

First, don’t rush the sauce simmering time. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors become. I often make the sauce a day ahead. It tastes even better the next day. This allows all those wonderful herbs and spices to meld together.

When cooking your noodles, aim for al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles can make your lasagna mushy. Rinsing them with cold water after draining is a good idea. It stops the cooking process right away.

For an extra creamy ricotta layer, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream. This makes it wonderfully smooth. And don’t be shy with the mozzarella! A good amount of cheese is essential for that classic, gooey pull. Enjoy making your perfect lasagna!

Variations to Your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

While this Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a beloved favorite, don’t be afraid to play with it! You can easily make it your own. I love trying new twists on family recipes.

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. It gives it a nice warmth. For a richer sauce, you can substitute the V8 juice with beef broth or even a splash of red wine. Yum!

You can also swap out some of the mozzarella for provolone cheese. It adds a nutty, slightly sharper flavor. Sometimes I even add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the pasta sheets. Get creative and make it yours!

Serving and Storing Your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Once your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This is super important! It lets the layers set. This makes it much easier to cut neat slices. Serve generous portions with a side salad and some crusty bread. It’s a complete meal!

Leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so. Cover any remaining lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the microwave or pop it back in a moderate oven. It reheats beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Got questions about making this amazing Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce? I’m here to help! It’s a popular dish, and I get asked a lot about it.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

No worries! You can use all ground beef, or even ground turkey or pork. Just make sure to season it well with Italian herbs and a pinch of fennel seeds for a similar flavor profile.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Make sure to drain the fat from your cooked meats thoroughly. Also, simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes helps thicken it. If your tomatoes seem very watery, you can simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered.

Can I freeze this classic lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze it! Either bake it and then freeze portions, or freeze the unbaked lasagna. If freezing unbaked, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. It’s a great make-ahead meal!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Understanding the Nutrition of Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Nutritional values for this Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce can vary. Factors like specific ingredients and brands used will change the numbers. Exact figures are not provided here. Please consider this when planning your meals.