Classic lasagna
Hearty Layered Pasta Dish with Optional Everyday Heat Kick
This traditional Lasagna recipe delivers on all the comforting qualities you expect: rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and bubbly, melted cheese. It's the perfect make-ahead dish for feeding a crowd or for cozy weekend meal prep. While it takes time to bake, the assembly is straightforward, making it achievable for any home cook.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce / 794 g) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce / 425 g) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce / 425 g) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
4 cups (16 ounces / 450 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Optional: 2 tablespoons Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce. To infuse the meat sauce with a Spicy lift, mix 2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Medium directly into the beef and tomato mixture before layering. This adds a subtle, Everyday Heatthat brightens the overall flavor profile without overpowering the classic ingredients.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on wax paper. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the optional Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce if using.
4. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining mozzarella and 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layering (noodles, remaining ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce). Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let the lasagna cool and set for at least 15 minutesbefore slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and sauté 2 cups of chopped mushrooms and zucchini with the onion in step 2 for a hearty vegetable lasagna.
Make Ahead: Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Add Greens: Mix 1 cup of frozen, thawed, and squeezed spinach into the ricotta filling for a nutritional boost and brighter color.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Ricotta Cheese — New: 15 ounces small curd cottage cheese, blended smooth — Why: Blended cottage cheese offers a creamier, smoother texture than ricotta, and often has a better nutritional profile.
Replacing: Ground Beef — New: 1 pound ground turkey — Why: Ground turkey reduces the fat content significantly for a leaner dish while maintaining a similar meaty texture.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store leftover lasagna, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Individual slices can be microwaved, but the best method is wrapping a slice in foil and baking it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes).
Freeze: Freeze the entire assembled, unbaked lasagna (or individual slices) wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 680 Protein: 45g Carbs: 60g Fat: 30g
Explore More Recipes from Eleven Eleven Sauce:
