Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of creating a hearty, soul-warming Italian classic right in your own kitchen, look no further than this Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe. It’s a timeless combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender noodles baked to golden perfection. This dish is a celebration of comfort and tradition, making every bite feel like a warm hug from an old friend. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is bound to become a beloved favorite on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards that unforgettable lasagna experience. Each component plays a vital role—from the juicy ground beef bringing rich flavor, to the blend of cheeses that creates a luscious, creamy texture, and the herbs and spices adding vibrant notes that make every mouthful delightful.
- 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content): Provides juicy, flavorful meatiness without being too greasy.
- 1 medium onion, finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that brightens the meat sauce.
- ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth: Enhances complexity and richness of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the beef and onions to golden perfection.
- 24 oz marinara sauce (3 cups): The luscious tomato base that ties the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Essential for balancing all the savory flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground: Adds a subtle, warming kick.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbal undertone that complements the meat.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped: Brings fresh, vibrant herbal notes into the sauce.
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente: The essential pasta layers that hold everything together.
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture while keeping it lighter.
- 15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese: Brings richness and a slight tang to the cheese mixture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture and helps it set beautifully during baking.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish: Fresh herbaceous goodness inside and on top for presentation.
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided: Melted mozzarella is what gives the lasagna that irresistibly gooey, golden crust.
How to Make Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Begin by heating olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, sautéing for about five minutes until the beef loses its pink color and the onions soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the red wine or beef broth, letting it reduce for a couple of minutes. Then, add the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, and cover for five minutes to let the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a spacious bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat ricotta, one cup of shredded mozzarella, the egg, and two tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix until everything is incorporated evenly. This blend will gift your lasagna with the perfect creamy and slightly tangy layer that contrasts so nicely with the savory meat sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This step ensures your noodles are tender but still firm enough to hold the layers together.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread half a cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom. Layer three noodles on top, followed by one-third of the meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of one cup shredded mozzarella. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture over this layer. Repeat this assembly two more times to create three beautiful layers of noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella, finishing off with the remaining mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Lightly poke 9 to 12 toothpicks into the surface of the lasagna; this little trick prevents the foil from sticking to your delicious cheesy topping. Cover the dish with foil and place it in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown. Allow your lasagna to rest for 30 minutes before slicing so the layers set up beautifully and each portion holds together.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the deep flavors but adds a lovely splash of green that makes your Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe visually irresistible. For an extra touch, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan elevates it further with a salty finish.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf works brilliantly for soaking up the extra sauce and cheese, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets to impress your guests. Layering the lasagna in clear glass dishes lets you show off the beautiful layers, turning dinner into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days and taste just as delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this lasagna on a busy night, freeze it before baking. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover securely with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through perfectly.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm a whole dish in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For that fresh-baked cheese finish, uncover in the last 5 minutes to let the top crisp up again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of sausage and beef for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and flavorful.
Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?
Yes, cooking the noodles to al dente helps ensure they soften as they bake but won’t become mushy. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents sticking, making layering easier.
Can I make the cheese mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! The cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling and also lets the flavors meld nicely.
What can I do if I don’t have red wine for the meat sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, beef broth is a great alternative that still adds depth without altering the flavor much. Warm broth added gradually works just as well in this Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe.
How do I prevent the top cheese from burning during baking?
Cover the lasagna tightly with foil during most of the baking process to protect the cheese. Remove the foil near the end and broil for just a few minutes to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe is a celebration of everything comforting and delicious about Italian cooking. It’s a rewarding dish to make and even more satisfying to share with people you care about. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it becomes a cherished recipe to pull out time and again for family dinners, holidays, and any day you want to make something truly special.
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Classic Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic lasagna recipe layers a rich meat sauce with a creamy blend of cottage and ricotta cheeses, tender lasagna noodles, and melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection, it features a flavorful, savory profile with herbs and a hint of red wine, making it a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or special dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24 oz marinara sauce (3 cups)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
Noodles
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Cheese Sauce
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
- 15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Make Meat Sauce: Place a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium/high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 lb ground beef, and diced onion. Sauté, breaking up the meat, for 5 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Add pressed garlic and sauté another minute until fragrant. Pour in ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth and stir for 2 minutes or until the wine has nearly evaporated. Add 3 cups marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese, 15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Preheat the oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain noodles and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish. Layer 3 noodles on top of the sauce, then spread ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Spoon and spread half of the cheese sauce over the mozzarella layer. Repeat the layering process—3 noodles, ⅓ meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, remaining cheese sauce. Finish with the final 3 noodles and remaining meat sauce, sprinkling remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Lasagna: Poke 9-12 toothpicks evenly over the surface of the lasagna to prevent foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes until bubbling and heated through. Remove foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using dry red wine enhances the depth of the meat sauce; beef broth is a good non-alcoholic alternative.
- Allow resting time after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor fusion.
- Pre-cooking noodles and rinsing under cold water prevents them from sticking and overcooking during baking.
- To reduce fat, use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat ricotta.
- Broiling at the end creates a beautiful golden cheese crust.
- Poking toothpicks helps prevent foil from sticking to the top layer of cheese during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
