Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Lasagna

Ultimate Italian Lasagna: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe

Experience the magic of Italian Lasagna—layers of pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta create a cozy family favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with vegetable oil
  • 1 medium Onion Can use shallots for milder flavor
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferable, garlic powder works in a pinch
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based options
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Can be replaced with extra ground beef or meat-free sausage
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used when in season
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Optional, adjust other liquids if omitted
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional, use less if you prefer a less sweet sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Using fresh can brighten the flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Ricotta Layer
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese Can substitute blended cottage cheese or cream cheese
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great alternative
  • 1 large Egg Can be omitted for a dairy-free version
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast works for a non-dairy option
For Assembly
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Can use any melting cheese
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Gluten-free noodles are a fantastic substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter Optional but adds richness

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Prepare Meat Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Brown ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and herbs. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Make Ricotta Layer
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, and grated Parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Preheat and Grease Baking Dish
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
Assemble Lasagna Layers
  1. Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella repeatedly until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles and sauce. Top with mozzarella and melted butter.
Bake Lasagna
  1. Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Rest & Serve
  1. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Simmer meat sauce for at least 20-25 minutes to deepen flavors. Cook noodles to al dente. Allow lasagna to rest before slicing for better serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!