Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Italian Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta. This traditional recipe brings the taste of Italy straight to your table, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you’re craving a satisfying, oven-baked meal. Each bite offers a balance of savory, cheesy, and saucy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lasagna noodlesground beefItalian sausagetomato saucecrushed tomatoesoniongarlicolive oiltomato pasteItalian seasoningfresh basilricotta cheesemozzarella cheeseparmesan cheesesaltpeppereggsbutterflourmilk

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk to create a smooth béchamel sauce. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and a handful of grated parmesan.

Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

To assemble, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread ricotta mixture, a drizzle of béchamel, and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan.

Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with sauce and cheeses on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
Swap béchamel with extra ricotta for a simpler prep.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Try oven-ready noodles to save time.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What’s the difference between béchamel and ricotta layers?
Béchamel adds creaminess, while ricotta provides richness and texture.

Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce gives a more authentic flavor.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Cook with a bit of oil and stir occasionally, or use oven-ready noodles.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely, just skip the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based alternatives.

Do I have to use all three cheeses?
No, but mozzarella and parmesan are key for that classic flavor.

Why does lasagna need to rest?
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and flour for the béchamel.

What wine pairs well with lasagna?
Chianti, Barbera, or a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon complement it perfectly.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use a larger pan or make two separate dishes.

Conclusion

Classic Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, tradition, and delicious flavor to any meal. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or freezing it for future meals, this lasagna is sure to become a cherished favorite.