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Classic Comfort Food

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Whip up a hearty lasagna by stacking pasta, savory meat sauce, and an assortment of cheeses. Rest before eating for easy slicing.

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Clare Recipes
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:53:43 GMT
Golden lasagna with cheesy layers in a white pan, topped with parsley beside a bowl of fresh herbs. Pin it
Golden lasagna with cheesy layers in a white pan, topped with parsley beside a bowl of fresh herbs. | lilicooks.com

This lasagna has been passed down through our family for years. All those delicious layers of noodles, meaty sauce and smooth cheese come together to make the ultimate comfort food. The amazing smell fills our home when it's baking, and everyone always crowds into the kitchen, eager to dig in.

Our Beloved Classic

What makes this dish so wonderful is how uncomplicated it is. Just a few quality ingredients combined with care create something extraordinary. I typically prepare two batches - one for tonight and another for the freezer, as it warms up perfectly when we need a fast, heartwarming dinner.

My Must-Have Ingredients

  • My special mix of Italian herbs
  • Whole milk mozzarella grated fresh
  • Spinach, wilted and moisture squeezed out
  • Creamy ricotta combined with egg and fresh parmesan
  • Thick marinara, homemade when time allows
  • Ground beef and Italian sausage from nearby butcher
  • Standard lasagna pasta boiled until just soft

The Building Process

Last Steps
Allow it to sit before slicing, add herbs and pair with buttery garlic bread
Into the Oven
Wrap with foil, cook at 375°F, then add mozzarella to brown on top
Build Your Lasagna
Start layering sauce, pasta, cheese mix and repeat this three times, ending with sauce
Mix the Cheese
Combine ricotta, parmesan, egg and add plenty of seasoning
Make the Sauce
Cook meats with garlic and onion, add sauce and simmer until thickened
Start with Noodles
Boil pasta in salty water, drain and set them aside

My Cooking Tips

Don't forget to keep the dish covered during baking to stop the edges drying out. That last layer of mozzarella just needs enough time to get melty and golden brown. Always let it rest after baking - your layers will stay intact.

Get Ready Early

You can keep your unbaked lasagna in the fridge for a couple days. If you're freezing it, wrap it properly and it'll last three months. Just let it thaw overnight when you're ready to cook it.

A golden-brown lasagna with melted cheese and herbs is served in a white dish, with a bowl of chopped greens beside it. Pin it
A golden-brown lasagna with melted cheese and herbs is served in a white dish, with a bowl of chopped greens beside it. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Leftovers

Heat up what's left in a 350°F oven with foil for about 30 minutes or zap it in the microwave for a quick meal. The funny thing is, it actually tastes better the next day when all the flavors have blended together overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why rest after baking?

Waiting 15-45 minutes lets the layers firm up, making neat slices easier.

→ Is cottage cheese a good swap?

Absolutely! You can sub ricotta with cottage cheese if you prefer.

→ Are uncooked noodles okay?

You can skip boiling if you grab fresh lasagna sheets at the store.

→ Do-ahead option?

Assemble up to a day in advance. Just bake when you're ready to eat.

→ Can you freeze it?

Yes! Wrap it up tightly and freeze for three months. Thaw before popping it in the oven.

Homemade Lasagna

Layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a trio of cheeses come together in this classic Italian-inspired dish. Great to prepare ahead for cozy meals.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup parsley, freshly chopped.
02 2 tbsp tomato paste.
03 12 uncooked lasagna noodles.
04 1/2 lb Italian sausage.
05 2 cups ricotta cheese.
06 36 oz jarred pasta sauce.
07 4 cups mozzarella cheese, split in two.
08 1 large egg, whisked.
09 3/4 tsp salt, or as needed.
10 1 yellow onion, finely diced.
11 1/2 lb lean ground beef.
12 2 minced garlic cloves.
13 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, separated.
14 1 tsp dried Italian herbs.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat.

Step 02

Cook the noodles to al dente, rinse off, and keep them ready.

Step 03

In a skillet, cook the meats, onion, and garlic until browned; drain away the grease.

Step 04

Stir together the sauce ingredients and gently cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and egg in a bowl.

Step 06

In a 9x13 pan, layer 1/3 of the cheese mixture, 1 cup sauce, and 3 noodles; repeat two more times.

Step 07

Finish with a layer of noodles covered in the last of the sauce.

Step 08

Cover with foil and bake it for 45 minutes.

Step 09

Sprinkle the rest of the cheeses on top and bake without the foil for 15 more minutes.

Step 10

For extra crisping, broil it for 2–3 minutes but keep an eye on it.

Step 11

Let it cool for 15 minutes so it slices up neatly.

Notes

  1. Cool it before cutting to keep slices neat.
  2. Swap ricotta with cottage cheese if needed.
  3. Using fresh pasta sheets will save time.
  4. Tastes even better the next day.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 pan.
  • Large saucepan.
  • Big frying pan.
  • Mixing bowls of various sizes.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 377
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 29 g