Classic Lasagna Recipe
User Reviews
4.2
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6 to 8 servings
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Calories
583 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Classic Lasagna Recipe
Description
The Classic Lasagna Recipe starts by blending ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh chopped basil, eggs, salt, and pepper for a flavorful cheese mixture. In a baking dish, layers alternate between meat sauce, no-boil lasagna noodles, the ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, and additional sauce. This layering repeats three times, topped with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Covered with foil, the lasagna bakes until heated through, then the foil is removed to brown the top cheese while the inside simmers and bubbles.
The result is a rich combination of tender noodles softened by the sauce, creamy and herbaceous ricotta filling, savory meat sauce, and melted cheeses. The cheeses' melt and brownings add contrasting textures and depth. The basil provides an aromatic note that brightens the layers.
This classic lasagna fits well as a main dish in a family meal or gathering. It pairs with simple sides like salad or garlic bread. The recipe also allows assembling in advance and freezing for up to two months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let sit at room temperature before baking as directed, extending baking time. This flexibility supports planning meals ahead.
Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps it firm up for easier cutting and serving. Using no-boil noodles reduces prep time, eliminating noodling precooking.
Ingredients
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1¾ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup basil chopped, fresh
- 2 egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
For the Lasagna:
- 6 cups meat sauce your favorite
- 12 lasagna noodles no-boil
- 20 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (5 cups)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, eggs, salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Spread ½ cup of the sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 3 of the lasagna noodles, then dollop one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 1¼ cups of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta, then spread 1½ cups of the sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers of noodles, ricotta, mozzarella and sauce two more times. Place the last three noodles on top of the sauce and spread the remaining sauce on top, ensuring that the entire surface of the noodles is covered in sauce. Top with the remaining 1¼ cups mozzarella cheese and the ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, then return the lasagna to the oven and bake until the cheese on top is browning and the lasagna is bubbling, about 25 additional minutes. Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Assemble the lasagna in advance and freeze for up to two months for convenient meal prep.
- When baking from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let sit at room temperature an hour before baking.
- Increase baking time by 30 minutes covered and 25-30 minutes uncovered when baking frozen lasagna.
- Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes after baking to firm layers for clean slices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6to 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 583 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 583kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 134mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 1793mg | 75% |
| Potassium | 838mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1735IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 695mg | 70% |
| Iron | 3.3mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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