Classic Italian Lasagna
Layered with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, tender pasta, and bubbling mozzarella, this Classic Italian Lasagna celebrates generations of Italian tradition. Every layer contributes to a hearty, satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the table. This version emphasizes wholesome ingredients while preserving the authentic flavors and comforting texture of a traditional lasagna.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 520kcal
Equipment
- 1 Pan Size: 9 × 13 inch (23 × 33 cm)
Ingredients
- Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb 454 g lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 lb 454 g Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- Ricotta Filling
- 30 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles or oven-ready noodles
- 16 oz whole milk mozzarella shredded
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven.
- Brown the beef and sausage, breaking into small crumbles.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and cook 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and tomato paste.
- Cook 2 minutes.
- Stir in:
- crushed tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- seasonings
- balsamic vinegar
- bay leaves
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Cook the Noodles
- If using traditional noodles:
- Cook until just al dente.
- Drain.
- Rinse briefly with cool water.
- Lay flat on lightly oiled parchment.
- Make the Ricotta Filling
- Combine:
- ricotta
- eggs
- Parmesan
- parsley
- salt
- pepper
- Mix until smooth.
- Assemble
- Spread about 1½ cups meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer:
- noodles
- ricotta mixture
- mozzarella
- meat sauce
- Repeat three more times.
- Finish with:
- remaining meat sauce
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Bake
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil.
- Bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Rest
- Allow to rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- This helps the layers hold together.
- Suggested High Power Variations
- For a High Power Diet approach, consider:
- Whole wheat or high-protein lasagna noodles for additional fiber and protein.
- Cottage cheese blended smooth in place of part of the ricotta for a leaner filling.
- Ground turkey or chicken in place of part of the beef.
- Add finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat sauce for additional vegetables.
- For a lower-carbohydrate version, substitute grilled zucchini or thin eggplant slices for some or all of the pasta layers.
Notes
Serving Size: 1 piece (1/12 of pan)
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Total Sugars: 7 g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
Ingredient Functionality
- Ground beef and Italian sausage create a rich, savory base and provide protein.
- Ricotta cheese contributes a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Mozzarella creates the signature melted cheese layers.
- Parmesan adds a concentrated savory flavor.
- Tomatoes provide body, moisture, and classic Italian flavor.
- Fresh herbs and garlic enhance aroma and complexity.
Chef’s Notes
- Simmering the meat sauce for a full hour develops a deeper, richer flavor.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Resting the lasagna before serving improves slicing and presentation.
- This recipe uses wholesome ingredients and fits the High Power Diet philosophy by emphasizing quality proteins, natural fats, and minimally processed ingredients while preserving the traditional character of classic Italian lasagna.
