Name: Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups); 1 large egg; 2 cups mozzarella cheese; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, finely diced; ¾ lb. ground beef; ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; 40 oz. marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage); 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Ingredients

15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)

1 large egg

2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)

¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion (finely diced)

¾ lb. ground beef

¾ lb. ground Italian sausage

3 cloves garlic (minced)

½ cup chicken broth

40 oz. marinara sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)

2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients for easy access.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 10 minutes until softened and slightly sweetened.

Step 3: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and crumble the meat finely with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until fully browned. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain excess grease.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to loosen browned bits. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and let it simmer gently while you prepare the noodles.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse noodles under cold water until cool. Lay noodles flat on wax or parchment paper.

Step 6: Spread 1 heaping cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, overlapping if necessary.

Step 7: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon about 1½ cups of meat sauce on top.

Step 8: Add another layer of 4 noodles, one-third of the ricotta mixture, and 1½ cups of meat sauce.

Step 9: Finish the layering with the last 4 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, and remaining meat sauce.

Step 10: Sprinkle 2½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly on the top layer.

Step 11: Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray, then place it spray-side down over the casserole to prevent cheese from sticking.

Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

Step 13: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time—just increase the meat sauce slightly to ensure noodles cook well in the oven.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.

Let the lasagna rest before cutting to make serving easier and keep the layers intact.

FAQs

Can I prepare lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of marinara sauce works best?

A good-quality jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce works well. Choose one with balanced acidity and seasoning but adjust hot sauce or seasonings according to your taste preferences.