Best Old Fashioned Italian Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna holds a special place in Italian cuisine, combining layers of rich sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta into a masterpiece of flavor. This old fashioned recipe stays true to traditional methods, giving you a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Now, let me explore the detailed recipe and tips to make it perfectly.

1. Best Old-Fashioned Italian Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

For Assembly

• 12 lasagna noodles
• Extra mozzarella and parmesan for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil the noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, then a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

2. Tips For Perfect Lasagna

Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melting. Grating your own mozzarella and parmesan ensures a creamy, gooey result.

Don’t Skip Simmering the Sauce

Simmering the meat sauce allows the flavors to develop deeply. This step makes a noticeable difference in the richness of your lasagna.

Cook the Noodles Al Dente

Boil the noodles just until they’re slightly firm. Since they’ll continue to cook in the oven, overcooking them beforehand can lead to mushy lasagna.

Layer Strategically

Start with sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Ensure even layers of cheese and sauce for balanced flavors in every bite.

3. What To Eat With Lasagna

Lasagna is rich and hearty, so pairing it with lighter side dishes creates a balanced meal.

Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread complements the cheesy layers perfectly. Use it to scoop up extra sauce!

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini make excellent sides, adding a healthy and colorful touch to your plate.

Antipasto Platter: Serve a small antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for a classic Italian starter.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water: A glass of Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of lasagna.

4. How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Let the lasagna cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, cut the lasagna into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftovers

In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

In the Microwave: Place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

From Frozen: Allow the lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For faster reheating, bake frozen lasagna at 375°F (190°C) for 45–60 minutes, covered with foil.

This old fashioned Italian lasagna recipe combines hearty ingredients, flavorful layers, and simple techniques to create a classic dish. With the instructions in this article, I hope that you will have the perfect delicious lasagna at home. Enjoy!