Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic lasagna recipe. Featuring a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
This timeless Italian-American dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, a cozy family dinner, or a special occasion. It’s a labor of love that is well worth the effort, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
List of Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3/4 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup minced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes, no salt added
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 13 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to cook Classic Lasagna With 12 Tomatoes?
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect lasagna.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a Dutch oven, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is well browned.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Let the mixture simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, covered, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles in the boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, the remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce. Spread half the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then add a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Top with another 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce, then add 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients.
Step 7: Final Layer
Top it all with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Your Lasagna Questions Answered
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely. You can freeze the lasagna baked or unbaked. If unbaked, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If baked, let it cool completely before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with lasagna?
A simple green salad and some garlic bread are classic and delicious accompaniments to lasagna. A light red wine like a Chianti also pairs beautifully.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles to save time. You may need to add a little extra liquid to your sauce, as the noodles will absorb more moisture.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing is crucial. This helps the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when you serve it.
- Freshly grated cheese: For the best flavor and melt, grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded cheese.
