This classic homemade lasagna is a delightful combination of rich, meaty sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and gooey, melted cheese. Every bite offers layers of hearty ground meat, flavorful tomatoes, and the creaminess of cottage cheese or ricotta, making it the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity and timeless appeal. You can prepare it in advance, bake it to golden perfection, and serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to satisfy every craving.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 16 ounces cottage cheese (or ricotta as a substitute)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground pork and beef over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, half of the parsley, garlic, basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, oregano, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large pot, boil lasagna noodles in lightly salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese (or ricotta), Parmesan, eggs, remaining parsley, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread 1½ cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the cottage cheese mixture, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Why Homemade Lasagna is a Timeless Classic
Lasagna, one of the most beloved Italian dishes worldwide, has a rich history that dates back to Ancient Greece, where the term “laganon” was used to describe a flat sheet of dough cut into strips, much like the lasagna noodles we know today. However, it wasn’t until the Italians adopted and perfected the concept that lasagna as we know it truly blossomed into the dish we all love. The layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta create a culinary masterpiece that has been passed down through generations, becoming a family favorite in many households.
One of the reasons this Homemade Lasagna recipe stands out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a traditional take on the dish, blending the savory notes of ground beef and pork with tangy tomatoes and fragrant herbs. But there’s something special about the way it brings together these ingredients to create a harmonious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, homemade lasagna always seems to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Ingredients and Their Benefits
A great dish starts with great ingredients, and this lasagna is no exception. The combination of meats, cheeses, and a rich tomato-based sauce creates a robust and flavorful experience with each bite. Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients and what they bring to the table.
- Ground Pork and Beef: The combination of these two meats ensures a balance between lean and flavorful. The beef brings heartiness, while the pork adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the flavor profile. Ground pork is slightly fattier than beef, helping the meat sauce stay moist, even after being baked in the oven.
- Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: Using both types of tomato products gives the sauce body and texture. The sauce’s richness contrasts beautifully with the tender layers of pasta, while the crushed tomatoes ensure every bite has a bit of tangy, natural sweetness.
- Cheese (Cottage or Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella): The layers of cheese make this dish comforting and indulgent. Cottage cheese (or ricotta, if you prefer a creamier texture) and Parmesan create a creamy layer that’s rich and binding, while mozzarella on top melts to form that golden, bubbly crust we all know and love.
- Herbs and Spices: Parsley, garlic, oregano, and basil combine to give the sauce a fresh and aromatic quality that’s essential to any Italian dish. These herbs elevate the simple tomato sauce into something deeply flavorful and fragrant. Additionally, the pinch of sugar in the recipe balances the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smooth, well-rounded sauce.
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Lasagna
While lasagna is undoubtedly a rich and hearty meal, it can also provide a range of nutritional benefits, especially when made at home, where you can control the quality and quantity of the ingredients.
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground meat and cheese, each serving of lasagna is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall health. The protein content also ensures the dish is filling, making it perfect for satisfying big appetites.
- Calcium-Rich: Cheese is not only delicious but also packed with calcium, which is important for bone health. The blend of cottage cheese (or ricotta), Parmesan, and mozzarella gives this dish a substantial calcium boost, contributing to your daily intake.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a leaner version, you can use ground turkey instead of pork and beef, or go vegetarian by using spinach and mushrooms in place of the meat. There are also gluten-free lasagna noodles available for those with gluten sensitivities, making it a dish that can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
Why This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the Best
1. Balanced Flavor Profile: One of the key aspects that makes this recipe stand out is its balance. The combination of ground pork and beef creates a savory depth of flavor that’s complemented by the tang of tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese. The herbs—parsley, oregano, and basil—are used both in the meat sauce and cheese mixture, ensuring that every layer of the lasagna is packed with flavor.
2. Perfectly Layered: Lasagna is an art of layering, and this recipe has the perfect ratio of sauce, cheese, and noodles. Starting with a rich meat sauce at the base, followed by noodles, then cheese, the repetition of these layers creates a satisfying texture in every bite. The lasagna holds together beautifully, ensuring that each slice has distinct layers, which is not always easy to achieve with other recipes.
3. Oven-Baked Perfection: Baking lasagna in the oven brings everything together. The cheese melts into the noodles and sauce, creating a gooey, irresistible texture on the inside, while the top becomes golden and slightly crispy. Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking ensures that the lasagna doesn’t dry out, while removing it at the end lets the mozzarella achieve that signature browned and bubbly appearance.
4. Family-Friendly and Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is also a time-saver. You can easily make it in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when needed. It also freezes exceptionally well, so you can prepare a batch and have it ready for a quick meal on busy days. Lasagna tends to taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, making leftovers a delicious lunch or dinner.
5. Customizable for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making this lasagna for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s easy to adapt. You can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or make individual lasagna rolls for a more elegant presentation. The recipe is also incredibly forgiving, allowing you to swap ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences.
Serving Suggestions
To complete the meal, pair this homemade lasagna with some classic Italian side dishes. A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For something a little more special, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, which complement the Italian flavors.
For dessert, keep things Italian with a traditional tiramisu or panna cotta. These light, creamy desserts provide a sweet ending to a hearty meal, balancing out the bold flavors of the lasagna.
Conclusion
Homemade lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a large family gathering or a quiet dinner at home, it has the power to comfort and nourish. Its layers of flavor, rich sauce, and creamy cheese offer a nostalgic taste of home-cooked Italian food at its best. This particular recipe is special because it combines simplicity with depth of flavor, creating a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. From the first bite to the last, you’ll savor every layer of this homemade lasagna, making it a recipe that you’ll come back to time and again.
