Classic Lasagna al Forno
Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection for a comforting Italian dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 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 500 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 9 oz lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz Italian sausage
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil 9 oz lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 8 oz Italian sausage with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat until browned, 8-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan. Layer 1/3 noodles, 1/3 sauce, 1/3 cheese mixture, and repeat. Top with remaining noodles and sauce.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Lasagna al Forno take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Lasagna al Forno?
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 Lasagna al Forno?
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 Lasagna al Forno for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Lasagna al Forno?
Italian pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
