Italian Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious and Authentic Classic

If you’re looking to make the perfect Italian lasagna, this recipe is all you need. Italian Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Italy, this classic recipe will satisfy every time.

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🇮🇹 Why You’ll Love This Italian Lasagna Recipe

Here’s why this Italian Lasagna is the best choice for your next meal:

• Rich, flavorful sauce made from scratch
• Layers of pasta, cheese, and meat that melt together in perfect harmony
• Perfect for family dinners or gatherings
• Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor
• Freezes well for easy future meals

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🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best Italian Lasagna, gather the following ingredients. This recipe serves about 8 people.

🍝 For the Meat Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Ground beef	1 lb
Ground beef	1/2 lb
Onion (diced)	1 medium
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Crushed tomatoes	2 cans (14 oz)
Tomato paste	2 tbsp
Tomato sauce	1 can (15 oz)
Dried basil	1 tsp
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Sugar	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Olive oil	2 tbsp

🧀 For the Cheese Mixture

Ingredient	Amount
Ricotta cheese	2 cups
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)	2 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated)	1 cup
Egg	1 large
Fresh parsley (chopped)	1 tbsp

🍝 For the Lasagna

Ingredient	Amount
Lasagna noodles	12 (uncooked)

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Italian Lasagna Step by Step

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
• Add ground beef and ground beef, cooking until browned.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

• While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
• Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg.
• Stir in chopped parsley for added flavor.
• Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Layer the Lasagna

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Add a layer of the cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
• Sprinkle the top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna

• Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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💡 Tips for the Best Italian Lasagna

• Make the sauce ahead – You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop even further!
• Use fresh herbs – Fresh basil and oregano can add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the noodles – They will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking them helps prevent mushiness.
• Let the lasagna rest – Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before cutting to help the layers set.

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🍝 Variations to Try

Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations you can try:

Vegetarian Lasagna

• Replace the meat sauce with a vegetable-based sauce or spinach and ricotta mixture.
• You can also add layers of roasted zucchini or eggplant.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or make your own noodles from scratch using rice flour.

Creamy White Lasagna

• Instead of the traditional tomato sauce, try a white sauce (béchamel) with cream, butter, and flour for a rich alternative.

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🍽️ How to Serve and Store

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Storing Leftovers

• Let any leftover lasagna cool completely before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until heated through.

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❓ FAQ About Italian Lasagna

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🏁 Conclusion

This Italian Lasagna Recipe brings all the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, every bite is packed with deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply craving comfort food, this classic dish never disappoints.