Lasagna (Traditional Italian Recipe)

The indulgent aroma of a freshly baked lasagna wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. As the golden cheese bubbles and caramelizes atop rich layers of pasta, savory meat, and zesty tomato sauce, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia. Each forkful transports you back to family gatherings, laughter echoing in the air, and cherished moments around the table. This is why I’m excited to share my beloved Lasagna (Traditional Italian Recipe) with you. It’s not just a dish; it’s a heartwarming experience that invites love, joy, and comfort into your home.

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you try making this Lasagna? Here are just a few compelling reasons:

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dish brings everyone together, promising empty plates and full hearts.
Cozy Flavors: Every bite offers a symphony of flavors—tangy tomato, herbaceous basil, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella.
Versatile Ingredients: Adapt it to your taste—swap out meats, add extra veggies, or even go meatless for a lighter, plant-based twist!
Simple Dinner Solution: Once you’ve mastered this comforting recipe, it becomes a go-to for busy weeknights or festive occasions.
Make-Ahead Meal: You can prep it in advance for easy dinner solutions, giving you more time to enjoy with family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the most delectable Lasagna (Traditional Italian Recipe), gather the following ingredients:

Lasagna Noodles: 12 sheets (use no-boil noodles for a simpler preparation).
Ground Beef: 1 pound (substitute with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter option).
Ricotta Cheese: 1 ½ cups (cottage cheese can work as a substitute).
Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups, shredded (feel free to mix with provolone for a zesty kick).
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative).
Tomato Sauce: 4 cups (homemade or store-bought—just check for no added sugar).
Egg: 1 large (optional, but it helps bind the ricotta mixture).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for that aromatic depth).
Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped (or use dried for convenience).
Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

While it may take a bit of time, every second is worth it for this delicious homemade dish that will fill your home with warmth and joy.

How to Make Lasagna (Traditional Italian Recipe)

Follow these steps for a lasagna that will surpass all your expectations:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and toasty while you prep.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, stirring until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
Mix Seasoning and Cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (if using), half the mozzarella, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture will be a highlight!
Assemble the Layers: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce. Follow with lasagna noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover with aluminum foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together beautifully.

Tips and Creative Variations

Veggie Delight: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms between layers for additional nutrition and flavor.
Cheesy Layers: Experiment with a mix of cheeses! Try adding feta or smoked gouda for extra depth.
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate this dish—experiment with thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

Serving Ideas

Channel the rustic charm of an Italian café by serving your lasagna with a simple side salad tossed in olive oil and lemon, and crusty garlic bread to mop up those delicious sauces. Pair it with a glass of Chianti or homemade lemonade for a cheerful touch. Picture the laughter, the chatter, and the clinking of glasses as your loved ones relish every bite.

Storing and Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well! When it’s time to reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through. You might even find the flavors deepen and improve over time, making it all the more delicious!

Pro Tips for Success

Cook the Noodles: If using regular noodles, cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy as they bake.
Layering: Make sure to cover the entire noodle surface with sauce to prevent drying as it cooks.
Chill Overnight: As tempting as it may be, letting the assembled lasagna chill in the fridge overnight enhances flavors!

FAQs

Can I freeze this recipe? Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped, and you can thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What’s the best substitute for ricotta? Cottage cheese mixed with a bit of seasoning works wonderfully as an alternative.
Is there a vegetarian version? Definitely! Use a mixture of vegetables and lentils in place of meat for a hearty veggie lasagna.

Conclusion

As you savor your homemade Lasagna (Traditional Italian Recipe) surrounded by loved ones, remember that food is an invitation to create memories. This comforting recipe not only fills your stomach but also your heart as you share it with family and friends. I hope you create your own moments of joy around the dinner table, and when you do, don’t forget to share this recipe with those you adore. Happy cooking!

Contents

1 Lasagna

Lasagna

A comforting Italian dish with layers of pasta, savory meat, and rich cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Use no-boil noodles for a simpler preparation.
4 cups Tomato Sauce Homemade or store-bought—check for no added sugar.

Cheese Mixture

1.5 cups Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can work as a substitute.
1 large Egg Optional, but it helps bind the ricotta mixture.
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, mix with provolone for a zesty kick.
0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or lentils.
2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic depth.
0.25 cups Fresh Basil Or use dried for convenience.
1 teaspoon Oregano
Salt and Pepper To taste.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (if using), half the mozzarella, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assembly

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, and the ricotta mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Baking

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the lasagna to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Consider adding sautéed veggies for a healthier twist. This lasagna can be prepped in advance and freezes well.

Keyword Comfort Food, Family Meal, Lasagna, Pasta Dish, Traditional Italian Recipe

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest