Classic Baked Lasagna

Classic Baked Lasagna 

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes

Ingredients

For the meat sauce

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 700 g (24 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the cheese filling

• 400 g (14 oz) ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or dried)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Other

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the meat sauce
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thick and rich.

2. Prepare the cheese mixture
   In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Cook the noodles
   If using regular lasagna noodles, boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the lasagna
   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
   Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   Add a layer of noodles, then ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
   Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

5. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Rest and serve
   Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape.

Result

This lasagna has tender pasta layers, a hearty tomato-meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a perfectly melted, lightly browned cheese topping. Comforting, rich, and ideal for family meals or make-ahead dinners.