If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Classic Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce with a luscious béchamel, layers of tender pasta, and a melty cheese blanket, this dish masterfully brings together flavors and textures that everyone loves. Whether it’s for a family dinner or an impressive gathering, this lasagna embodies everything that makes Italian cooking truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Lasagna Recipe plays a crucial role, from building deep savory notes to contributing to the luscious texture and vibrant colors. These components are straightforward yet essential to achieve that perfect balance that makes lasagna so addictive.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing vegetables, adding a fruity richness that infuses the sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and body in the sauce.
- Carrots: Very finely diced to add subtle natural sweetness and color.
- Celery: Adds aromatic earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Minced to pack a punch of pungent warmth.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty texture and flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage: Brings spice and complexity to the meat sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its Italian soul.
- Red wine: Adds acidity and depth to the Bolognese.
- Crushed tomatoes: The tomato base that keeps the sauce fresh and tangy.
- Balsamic vinegar: A small amount deepening the sauce’s sweetness and complexity.
- Bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes.
- Sugar: Balances tomato acidity if needed.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Butter: For a rich and smooth béchamel sauce.
- Flour: Helps thicken the béchamel for a creamy texture.
- Milk: Combined into the béchamel to create that velvety base.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (optional): Adds creaminess and a luscious layer.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch elevates the béchamel with warmth.
- Oven-ready lasagna sheets: Save time without sacrificing tenderness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey top.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant note as a finishing touch.
How to Make Classic Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
The heart of this Classic Lasagna Recipe is the Bolognese sauce, and it deserves your patience. Start by gently sautéing your finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Then add in the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until nicely browned for a deep, savory base. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning to intensify the flavor, pour in red wine and let it reduce slightly, then add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, bay leaves, and a pinch of sugar if required to balance acidity. Let this rich sauce simmer slowly for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and creates that signature luscious Bolognese texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
While the Bolognese simmers, it’s time to craft the creamy béchamel, a silky white sauce that transforms every bite. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to cook out the raw taste—this creates a roux that thickens the sauce. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in grated Parmesan, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra creamy texture, add ricotta cheese at this point and mix gently. Let the béchamel cool slightly so it won’t curdle when layered.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Now the exciting part: layering your Classic Lasagna Recipe! Start with a thin layer of meat sauce to keep the pasta from sticking, followed by a layer of oven-ready lasagna sheets. Next, spoon over more meat sauce, then a generous layer of béchamel. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between these layers to ensure gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. Continue layering until your ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of béchamel, cheeses, and a light sprinkle of parsley for color.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow everything to meld together and cook through. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to brown the cheese on top to a golden, bubbling perfection. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This rest period is key—it allows the layers to set, making the lasagna easier to cut and serving a perfect slice every time.
How to Serve Classic Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the rich lasagna wonderfully, adding a fresh burst of color and a delicate herbal touch that complements the hearty sauce beautifully. For an extra indulgent finish, a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving never hurts!
Side Dishes
Classic lasagna pairs perfectly with simple sides that don’t compete for attention. Consider crisp green salads with vinaigrette to cut through the richness or buttery garlic bread to sop up the leftover sauce. Steamed or grilled vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also offer a fresh, healthy balance alongside this luscious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice your Classic Lasagna Recipe into neat squares and serve on individual plates garnished with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. For a more casual family-style meal, serve it straight from the baking dish, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the gooey, comforting layers together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled, so storing leftovers is a win. Keep any unused portions tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure the dish is cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
Classic Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving for busy nights. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered, until warmed through—usually about 25 to 30 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions until heated but avoid overheating to keep your layers tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this Classic Lasagna Recipe?
Yes! Oven-ready or no-boil noodles are a convenient choice and work perfectly because they soften as the lasagna bakes, absorbing moisture from the sauces. Just make sure your sauces aren’t too thick to help the noodles cook properly.
Is it necessary to add ricotta cheese?
Ricotta cheese is optional in this recipe but adds a lovely creaminess. If you prefer a lighter version, you can omit it and simply use béchamel and shredded cheeses for a rich, velvety texture.
How long can I simmer the Bolognese sauce?
The longer you simmer, the better the flavor! Ideally, simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop depth and let the meat become tender. Just make sure it doesn’t dry out; add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping?
Mozzarella offers that irresistible stretchy, melty topping, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. Using a combination of both creates a perfect golden brown crust that’s both savory and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about digging into a warm slice of perfectly layered Classic Lasagna Recipe, where every bite delivers comfort and joy. It’s a dish that brings people together and fills your home with irresistible aromas. So gather your ingredients, take your time with the sauces, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless Italian classic. You won’t regret it!
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Classic Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Classic Italian lasagna with rich layers of Bolognese meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender oven-ready lasagna noodles, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce (Bolognese)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, very finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 sticks celery, very finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar (as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce (Béchamel)
- 8 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup flour
- 5 cups milk (start with 4½ cups if adding ricotta)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reduce to ½ cup if using ricotta)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 1 (16-ounce) box oven-ready lasagna sheets (may not need all; about 20 noodles used)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more to sprinkle between layers if desired)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (to serve, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart and cooking until browned and no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for a couple of minutes to enhance flavor. Pour in red wine and allow to reduce slightly. Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, bay leaves, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop deep rich flavors.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring it does not brown. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta (if using), ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Allow the béchamel to cool for 15-20 minutes to thicken and mellow in flavor.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down oven-ready lasagna sheets to cover. Add a layer of meat sauce followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between layers if desired. Repeat layering process, finishing with a generous topping of béchamel sauce and a mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
- Serve: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. This classic lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Notes
- The Bolognese sauce benefits from slow simmering to deepen its flavor; do not rush this step.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time—no need to boil them before assembling.
- Adjust the amount of cheese layers according to preference for a richer or lighter dish.
- Allow the lasagna to rest before cutting to ensure clean slices and better texture.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds creaminess to the béchamel and overall richness.
