sauce for lasagna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best sauce for lasagna recipe

Sauce for lasagna is a staple in many Italian households, and for good reason. It’s a rich and flavorful condiment that adds depth to this beloved dish.

The sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, or a vegetarian option, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is unmistakable – a savory blend of meat and spices that will make your stomach growl with anticipation. I’ve been making this sauce for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

Whether I’m cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also incredibly versatile – use it as a base for pasta sauces, as a dip for breadsticks, or as a topping for pizza.

The health benefits of this sauce are numerous – the antioxidants in the tomatoes will keep you looking young and healthy, while the herbs add antibacterial properties. My kids love helping me cook this sauce, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product.

It’s become a family tradition to make this sauce together on Sundays after church. We’ll often have it ready by mid-afternoon, and then spend the rest of the day lounging around the house, snacking on breadsticks or crackers dipped in our delicious homemade sauce.

Classic Lasagna Sauce

4.9 from 919 votes

This rich and hearty lasagna sauce is made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Simmered with crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, it creates a thick, flavorful base perfect for layering in lasagna.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
5Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, mixing until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
6Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
8Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10The sauce is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a rich, deep red color.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after cooking. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Classic Lasagna Sauce Works

This lasagna sauce recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks and has become a staple in many households around the world. The key to making this sauce is slow-cooking it over low heat until all of the flavors have melded together perfectly.

Once cooked, you can store your lasagna sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 6 months. When reheating your lasagna sauce, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

One of my favorite ways to serve this lasagna sauce is as part of an Italian-inspired dinner party – serve it over pasta with some crusty breadsticks on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Sauce

Q: What type of meat should I use in my lasagna sauce?

For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground pork. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use ground turkey or chicken breast.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make this sauce up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Q: How do I know if my lasagna sauce is too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can add a splash of water or red wine to thin it out.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this sauce for up to 6 months. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat my lasagna sauce?

The best way to reheat your lasagna sauce is over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Similar Posts