The Art of Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna Italian Comfort Food Perfection

Perfect Meat Sauce Development

Master the technique of building rich, flavorful meat sauce with proper consistency and depth.

Cheese Mixture Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, well-seasoned ricotta mixture for optimal texture.

Layering Strategy Perfection

Perfect the method of systematic layering for even distribution and structural integrity.

Baking Technique Mastery

Master the art of proper baking temperatures and timing for golden, bubbly perfection.

Resting and Serving Strategy

Learn optimal resting and cutting techniques for clean, beautiful rectangular servings.

Classic Italian Layering Mastery Secrets for Perfect Rectangular Lasagna Creation

Noodle Texture: Cook noodles just until al dente - they'll finish cooking in the oven.

Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce until thick enough to coat a spoon for proper layering.

Cheese Distribution: Spread ricotta evenly to ensure consistent texture in every bite.

Resting Time: Let lasagna rest before cutting - this prevents messy, runny slices.

Make Ahead: Can be assembled day ahead and refrigerated - add 15 minutes baking time.

Freezing Tips: Freeze assembled but unbaked - thaw overnight before baking as directed.

Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna with Rich Meat Sauce and Three Cheese Layers

Name: Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna with Rich Meat Sauce and Three Cheese Layers
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Meat Sauce:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1/4 cup red wine; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; For the Cheese Mixture:; 32 oz ricotta cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; For the Assembly Layers:; 1 box (16 oz) lasagna noodles; 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated; For the Herb Enhancement:; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh oregano; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; For the Flavor Base:; 2 tablespoons olive oil

The ultimate classic rectangular lasagna featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese between tender pasta sheets. This traditional Italian-American masterpiece combines perfectly seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage with homemade marinara sauce, three types of cheese, and fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable comfort food experience that captures the essence of authentic family-style cooking perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave the perfect balance of savory meat, creamy cheese, and aromatic Italian flavors.

Prep Time

45 Minutes

Cook Time

1H15 Minutes

Total Time

2H30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1/4 cup red wine

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Cheese Mixture:

32 oz ricotta cheese

2 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Assembly Layers:

1 box (16 oz) lasagna noodles

4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Herb Enhancement:

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

For the Flavor Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Cooking Process:

Salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons olive oil for noodles

Aluminum foil for covering

For Equipment Needed:

9x13 inch rectangular baking dish

Large pot for noodles

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Ladle

For Optional Garnishes:

Extra fresh basil leaves

Additional Parmesan cheese

Red pepper flakes

Garlic bread for serving

For Make-Ahead Storage:

Plastic wrap

Aluminum foil

Freezer bags

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish thoroughly.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil for cooking lasagna noodles.

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente texture.

Drain noodles and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking together.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up meat with spoon.

Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant but not burnt.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop rich flavor.

Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Add bay leaf and simmer sauce for 20-25 minutes until thickened.

Remove bay leaf and stir in heavy cream for richness, then set aside.

In large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Mix ricotta mixture thoroughly until smooth and well combined throughout.

Begin assembly by spreading thin layer of meat sauce in bottom of dish.

Layer 4 lasagna noodles over sauce, overlapping slightly to fit.

Spread half of ricotta mixture evenly over noodles with offset spatula.

Sprinkle 1 1/3 cups mozzarella cheese over ricotta layer evenly.

Add half of remaining meat sauce, spreading to edges of dish.

Repeat layering: noodles, remaining ricotta, 1 1/3 cups mozzarella, remaining meat sauce.

Top with final layer of noodles and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting for clean slices.

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with garlic bread if desired.

Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna with Rich Meat Sauce and Three Cheese Layers

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna Italian Comfort Food Perfection

Ultimate Classic Rectangular Lasagna with Rich Meat Sauce and Three Cheese Layers

Ingredients

Instructions