Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Today, we’re diving into a cherished family recipe passed down through generations – Grandma’s Classic Lasagna. This dish holds a special place in our hearts, bringing comfort and joy to every gathering. From the rich aroma of simmering tomato sauce to the gooey layers of cheese, this lasagna is a labor of love that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Grandma’s Classic Lasagna stand out is its timeless appeal and irresistible flavors. This recipe combines simplicity with depth, offering a hearty meal that satisfies both body and soul. With its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone craving more.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

15 oz ricotta cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until cooked through. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of noodles, and a layer of cheese filling. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.

5. Bake and Serve:

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

To enhance the flavors of the meat sauce, you can add a splash of red wine while simmering. This will give the sauce a rich depth of flavor. Additionally, letting the lasagna rest after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.

Variations and Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach in the sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini slices as a substitute. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Grandma’s Classic Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For a cozy dinner, serve it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite red wine to elevate the dining experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy for a convenient meal prep option.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Absolutely! Grandma’s Classic Lasagna freezes well. Simply portion out leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on creating Grandma’s Classic Lasagna in your kitchen, remember that cooking is a labor of love and a delicious way to create lasting memories. Whether you’re sharing this dish with family or savoring it solo, the warmth and flavors of this iconic recipe will surely bring joy to your table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of bubbling cheese and sauce fill your home. Bon appétit!

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Grandma’s Classic Lasagna”, “description”: “A timeless and comforting lasagna recipe passed down through generations, featuring layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese.”, “author”: { “@type”: “Person”, “name”: “Author” }, “image”: { “@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://heavenfoodrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/this-20-minute-13-2.webp”, “width”: 800, “height”: 600 }, “datePublished”: “2025-11-03T14:21:04+00:00”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: 8, “recipeCategory”: “Main Dish”, “recipeCuisine”: “Italian”, “keywords”: “homemade bread, ground beef, Italian cuisine, 20 minute recipe, main dish, quick dinner, Italian-inspired”, “recipeIngredient”: [ “1 pound ground beef”, “1 onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)”, “2 tablespoons tomato paste”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “15 oz ricotta cheese”, “1 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 egg”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “Lasagna noodles”, “Red wine (optional)”, “Mozzarella or provolone cheese (optional)” ], “recipeInstructions”: [ { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 1, “text”: “Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 2, “text”: “Cook the Pasta: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 3, “text”: “Make the Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 4, “text”: “Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375u00b0F. Layer meat sauce, noodles, and cheese filling in a baking dish. Repeat layers and finish with a layer of meat sauce on top.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 5, “text”: “Bake and Serve: Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Let it rest before serving.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “position”: 6, “text”: “Enhance the flavors of the meat sauce by adding a splash of red wine. Experiment with different cheeses for variation.” } ], “nutrition”: { “@type”: “NutritionInformation”, “calories”: 450, “fatContent”: 22, “carbohydrateContent”: 28, “proteinContent”: 32, “sodiumContent”: 780, “fiberContent”: 4, “sugarContent”: 6 } }