Nothing quite compares to the comforting, hearty delight of a classic lasagna. Mueller’s Classic Lasagna Recipe is a timeless favorite that brings together layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets, all topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella.
This recipe has been cherished in countless households for decades, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfies both family dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner eager to try your hand at Italian cuisine, this lasagna recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. The magic lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead and feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it combines classic ingredients with foolproof techniques. The homemade meat sauce is rich and flavorful, simmered to perfection with fresh herbs and tomatoes.
The layering of creamy ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
Mueller’s Classic Lasagna also uses no-boil noodles, saving you time without sacrificing taste. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tweaked to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, making it perfect for any home kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this lasagna is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup water (for baking)
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables and combine: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomato ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Layer 4 no-boil noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Add ricotta mixture: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add mozzarella and sauce: Sprinkle 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella over the ricotta, then spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce on top.
- Repeat layers: Repeat noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce layers two more times, finishing with a layer of noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add water and cover: Pour 1/2 cup water around the edges of the baking dish to prevent drying out. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, try substituting the meat with a hearty mix of mushrooms and lentils. For vegan alternatives, check out Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
To save time, make the meat sauce a day ahead; it often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. You can also freeze leftover lasagna portions for up to 3 months.
For an extra creamy texture, add a layer of béchamel sauce between the layers, or swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred. Want to brighten the dish?
Stir fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture or serve with a crisp salad like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 720 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your classic lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A simple tossed salad with a vinaigrette or our recommended Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide makes a delightful pairing.
For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-based sauce beautifully. Alternatively, sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea will refresh your palate.
Conclusion
Mueller’s Classic Lasagna Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of traditional flavors and comfort food at its finest. Its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender noodles come together to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you crave a slice of Italian heaven.
The recipe is accessible and adaptable, inviting cooks of all skill levels to enjoy the process and results. Whether you stick to the classic approach or add your own twists, this lasagna is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
For more delicious and easy meal ideas, explore our other recipes and enjoy the wonderful world of cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Mueller's Classic Lasagna Recipe
Description: A hearty and traditional Italian lasagna with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned; drain fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and basil; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 35 g
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