This Lasagna Recipe is a timeless, romantic classic—perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner at home. With tender layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this dish delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your partner or sharing a special meal with loved ones, this lasagna feels both impressive and heartfelt while remaining approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Additional Time: 15 minutes (resting)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) lasagna
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Lasagna Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Make the meat sauce:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease. - Simmer the sauce:
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: A longer simmer deepens flavor—up to 45 minutes if time allows. - Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. - Prepare the ricotta mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and salt until smooth. - Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Repeat layers twice more.
- Finish with the remaining meat sauce and cheeses on top.
- Bake:
Cover with foil (tent slightly to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. - Rest before serving:
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Best practice: This helps the layers set for clean, beautiful slices.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 620
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 1,350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 36g
Conclusion
This classic Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate Valentine’s Day comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and made to be shared. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete romantic dinner at home. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s meal together or a cherished tradition, this lasagna brings warmth, love, and unforgettable flavor to the table.
