A comforting Italian classic layered with rich flavors
There’s something deeply satisfying about a homemade lasagna baking in the oven. The layers come together slowly, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma. This version keeps things simple and hearty, with a rich meat sauce, creamy layers, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels worth every step.
Classic Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 500 g ground beef
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For the cheese layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For layering:
- 9 –12 lasagna sheets boiled or oven-ready
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for about a minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
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Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets on top.
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Add a layer of meat sauce, then spread some of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
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Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
