How to Perfectly Make Traditional Italian Lasagna

Servings: 6-8 people Cooking Time: 2 hours

Lovely and hearty, lasagna is a dish that has enchanted the hearts of many with its layers of deliciousness. Made up of rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta sheets, and savory meat or vegetable fillings, it’s no wonder why this Italian classic remains one of the most popular recipes for special occasions and family meals.

The beauty of lasagna lies in its versatility, as you can use different ingredients to make your lasagna stand out. This dish is an excellent way to feed a crowd because it’s simple yet satisfying. For this recipe, we'll prepare a traditional Italian Lasagna with meat sauce.

• 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey for a vegetarian option)
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 8 oz package of lasagna noodles
• 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

To start, you will need a large skillet to brown your meat. Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until it’s warm but not smoking. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about five minutes or until they turn translucent. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another two minutes to infuse flavor.

Meanwhile, while your sauce is cooking, prepare your pasta sheets by boiling them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well when done. Set aside to cool slightly before you start assembling the lasagna.

For the meat sauce, once your onions and garlic are golden brown, add in the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as you stir. Continue cooking until all traces of pink have disappeared. Then, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste along with the jarred marinara sauce. Simmer this mixture for about 20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally so that no clumping occurs.

While your meat sauce is simmering, mix together the ricotta cheese with two beaten eggs in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season it with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs like basil or oregano you prefer to enhance flavor.

The assembly process begins by layering ingredients into an 8x8 baking dish (or larger if preferred). Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom followed by overlapping lasagna noodles. Then spread half of your ricotta mixture over this, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese, and top it off with another portion of meat sauce.

Repeat these layers two more times. For the final layer, use all remaining sauce and cover fully with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. It might seem like there is too much cheese at first glance but remember that during baking, some will melt into the dish enhancing its flavor profile even further.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) for approximately one hour. Remove from heat and let it sit for about ten minutes before serving hot out of the oven. Garnish with fresh basil if desired; this adds a nice finishing touch that pairs well with the rich flavors already present.

Traditional Italian lasagna is not just about taste—it’s also about presentation. A beautifully crafted dish can elevate any meal into something extraordinary. When done correctly, every bite should be a delightful explosion of textures and tastes—from the tender pasta to the creamy filling to the slightly tangy sauce.

Labor-intensive but worth it, lasagna makes for an impressive addition to your dinner menu. Whether you're hosting guests or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home with loved ones, this classic Italian dish will surely bring everyone together over delicious flavors and comforting aromas.