Looking for the perfect lasagna recipe? This classic Italian-style lasagna, featuring rich homemade Bolognese sauce and layers of three delicious cheeses, is sure to become a family favorite.
If you’re looking for the ultimate lasagna recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This classic Italian-style lasagna, filled with three kinds of cheese and homemade Bolognese sauce, is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Growing up, I wasn’t a fan of spaghetti. It always seemed so plain. But lasagna? That was a different story. My mom's lasagna was a special treat that made every meal feel like a celebration. Now, I find joy in making it for my own family, and I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you.
This recipe has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember, and no other version has ever topped it. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a beautiful reminder of family, love, and the comfort of home.
Ingredients for Classic Lasagna Recipe
Ground Beef: Provides the rich, hearty base for our Bolognese sauce. It adds depth and substance to the lasagna.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a lovely, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Onion: They create a savory foundation for the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
Dried Oregano: A key herb in Italian cuisine, giving the sauce its classic, aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Adds a warm, robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Bolognese sauce.
Dried Parsley: Complements the oregano and adds a fresh, herby note to the sauce.
Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and gives it a rich, tomatoey base.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and a deeper beef flavor to the sauce, making it more savory and delicious.
Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a bit of heat and complexity.
Garlic Salt: Adds a blend of garlic and salt for a well-rounded flavor boost.
Lasagna Noodles: The pasta layers that hold all the delicious components together. Cooking them al dente ensures they hold up well in the final dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, gooey texture that’s a hallmark of lasagna.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the mozzarella.
Cottage Cheese: Provides a creamy, textured layer in the lasagna, enhancing its richness and flavor.
Egg: Helps bind the cottage cheese mixture together, giving it a firmer, more cohesive texture.
How to Make Lasagna
The secret to this lasagna lies in the meat sauce. It’s all about the simmering! For the best flavor, you need to give it plenty of time—at least 90 minutes, but ideally 2 to 3 hours. Just let it bubble away on the stove, giving it an occasional stir. Good things truly come to those who wait!
Another key to this recipe is the herbs. Don’t be shy with them! The more herbs you use and let simmer in the sauce, the more depth of flavor you’ll get. Without them, the dish might just taste like tomatoes and meat—delicious, but not quite what we’re aiming for.
Layering is also crucial. For an even, flavorful lasagna, use ⅓ of your cottage cheese mixture and ⅓ of your Bolognese sauce in each layer. This balance makes all the difference, ensuring each bite is perfectly harmonious.
And here’s a little tip for those who love ricotta cheese: give cottage cheese a chance! It adds a delightful texture and flavor that makes this lasagna truly special.
Tricks for Baking Your Lasagna
You’ve put so much effort into making this lasagna; let’s make sure it bakes to perfection! Start by covering your dish with foil, but don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray so the cheese doesn’t stick.
Bake at 425°F for at least 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let the top brown for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown finish—not burnt, just beautifully toasted.
Once it’s out of the oven, let your lasagna sit for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up, making it easier to cut and serve. Though it might still fall apart a bit, it’ll taste just as wonderful!
Recipes to Try Next:
- Easy American Goulash Recipe
- The Best Venison Bolognese | Classic Meat Sauce
- Best Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
If you try this delicious lasagna recipe, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below! Also, I’d love if you could leave me a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ recipe review on the recipe card below. If you want more recipe inspiration, make sure to follow me on Facebook or Pinterest!
📖 Recipe
Classic Italian Lasagna
This classic Italian lasagna features layers of tender noodles, a savory homemade Bolognese sauce, and a blend of three delicious cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, it’s rich, comforting, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 small Onions, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Clove Garlic, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 15 Ounce Tomato Paste
- 14.5 Ounce Beef Broth
- ½ Tablespoon Pepper
- ½ Tablespoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Box Lasagna Noodles, cooked al dente
- 54 Slices Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Large Cottage Cheese
- 1 Large Egg
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions, garlic, oregano, and parsley to the browned meat. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Remove Excess Grease: With a paper towel, carefully blot away most of the excess grease from the meat and herb mixture, leaving just a small amount.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour beef broth into the skillet and add tomato paste. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Season with pepper and garlic salt. Simmer covered for at least 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best results, simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Cook Noodles: During the last 30 minutes of simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, place noodles in cold water to prevent them from drying out.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg.
- Preheat Oven: Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Assemble Lasagna: Start with a layer of noodles at the bottom of the dish, about 4 noodles across. Spread ⅓ of the Bolognese sauce over the noodles. Add ⅓ of the cottage cheese mixture, then top with several slices of mozzarella cheese, covering the entire layer. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of noodles. Top with mozzarella cheese slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with foil sprayed with cooking spray. Place the dish on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 425°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Kara Belanger says
I saved this lasagna recipe because it looks delicious!
Danielle McCoy says
It is delicious! Thank you!
Anna says
This recipe is amazing and so easy!
This time I am making this to freeze for later. What would you recommend on temp and time? I wonder if 425 would be too hot?
Danielle McCoy says
If you have a chance, I'd thaw it first. Then, I would say around 375 for about 45 minutes, cover it until almost done.