The Traditional Meat Lasagna

This Traditional Meat Lasagna is a classic comfort food, featuring layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender pasta, and a generous amount of melty mozzarella. With its bold flavors and satisfying layers, this lasagna is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a hearty meal. The homemade meat sauce, packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, perfectly complements the cheesy layers, making each bite truly unforgettable!

Ingredients

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Lasagna:
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
2. Prepare the lasagna filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese mixture, then a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the process two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
5. Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy the layers of cheesy, meaty goodness!

Notes