Lasagna is a timeless comfort food, loved for its rich layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. This Classic American Lasagna brings together bold flavors with a touch of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep. With its perfectly balanced layers and satisfying texture, this dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys homemade, heartwarming meals.
Follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to create a lasagna that’s flavorful, cheesy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (29-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, basil, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and oregano.
Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (about 8 minutes).
Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread ⅓ of the noodles in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer ½ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ½ of the mozzarella and ⅓ of the meat sauce.
Repeat the layers.
Top with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy.
A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any gathering! Feel free to share this classic recipe with your cooking community.
Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Classic American Lasagna is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With its hearty layers and delicious texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy and happy cooking.
