Classic Italian Lasagna
Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta for a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 90 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, ground beef, Italian sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 8 oz Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking into small pieces. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 24 oz tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: For the béchamel: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then gradually add 1/2 cup milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 beaten egg and 1 tbsp fresh basil. Set aside.
- Step 5: Layer lasagna in a 9x13-inch dish: 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 4 noodles, 1/2 cup béchamel, 1/2 cup shredded parmesan, and repeat. Top with remaining tomato sauce and parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (40 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Italian Lasagna?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lasagna noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Lasagna?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Italian Lasagna for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Italian Lasagna?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this classic are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
