Classic Cheesy Lasagna

 Classic Cheesy Lasagna

## 🍝🧀 Classic Cheesy Lasagna: Layered with Love and Loaded with Cheese

Few dishes say “home” like a warm slice of **Classic Cheesy Lasagna**. With tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of gooey, golden cheese, it’s a time-honored dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether it's Sunday dinner, a family celebration, or meal prep for the week, this lasagna never disappoints.

It’s **cozy, customizable, and made from scratch** — but still simple enough for any home cook.

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## 🧾 Ingredients

### For the Meat Sauce:

* **1 lb ground beef**

* **½ lb Italian sausage** *(optional, for extra flavor)*

* **1 small onion**, diced

* **3 cloves garlic**, minced

* **1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes**

* **1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce**

* **2 tbsp tomato paste**

* **2 tsp sugar** *(balances acidity)*

* **2 tsp Italian seasoning**

* **Salt & pepper**, to taste

### For the Cheese Layer:

* **15 oz ricotta cheese**

* **1 egg**

* **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**

* **2 tbsp chopped parsley**

* **Salt & pepper**, to taste

### Additional Layers:

* **9–12 lasagna noodles**, cooked and drained

  *(or use oven-ready noodles)*

* **3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**

* **Extra Parmesan or provolone (optional)**

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## 👩‍🍳 Instructions

### 🔹 1. Make the Meat Sauce

* In a large skillet or saucepan, cook **ground beef, sausage, and onion** over medium heat until browned.

* Add **garlic** and cook for 1 minute.

* Stir in **crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and Italian seasoning**.

* Simmer uncovered for **20–30 minutes**, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### 🔹 2. Mix the Ricotta Filling

* In a bowl, combine **ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley**, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

* Mix until smooth.

### 🔹 3. Cook the Noodles

* Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and lay flat on a towel. *(Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)*

### 🔹 4. Layer the Lasagna

In a **9x13-inch baking dish**, layer as follows:

1. Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom.

2. Add 3–4 noodles.

3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture.

4. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.

5. Add a layer of meat sauce.

Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with:

* A final layer of noodles

* Remaining sauce

* Remaining mozzarella and Parmesan

### 🔹 5. Bake

* Cover with foil and bake at **375°F (190°C)** for **25 minutes**.

* Remove foil and bake another **20 minutes**, until bubbly and golden.

* Let rest for **10–15 minutes** before slicing.

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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* Pair with **garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables**

* Serve with a glass of **red wine** or sparkling water with lemon

* Add **chili flakes or fresh basil** for a flavor boost

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## 💡 Tips & Variations

* **Make it meatless**: Skip the meat and add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

* **Go extra cheesy**: Add provolone, gouda, or fontina between layers.

* **Make ahead**: Assemble up to 2 days in advance or freeze before baking.

* **Gluten-free**: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices.