Main Dishes

Classic Lasagna

From the kitchen of John & Terri April

Italian-American cooking became deeply embedded in NE Ohio food culture through the large Italian immigrant communities that settled Cleveland and its surroundings in the early 20th century. By the postwar generation, lasagna had crossed ethnic lines entirely and become a universal celebration dish — the thing you made for birthdays, homecomings, and large family gatherings. John and Terri April's version is unapologetically generous.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In large deep saucepan, sauté onion in 2 Tbsp oil until golden brown. Add garlic.
  2. Add hamburger and sausage, cook thoroughly and break up. Add parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano while cooking.
  3. Add tomato products and sugar, heat through and add Prego. Cook on low for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Cook noodles as directed on box. Cool sauce for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Take 3 Tbsp oil and spread in baking dish.
  6. In bowl add ricotta, egg, and ½ c Parmesan. Set aside.
  7. Spread thin layer of sauce on bottom of dish. Add 1 layer of noodles, overlapping.
  8. Add layer of cheese mixture, then mozzarella, then sauce. Continue layers ending with sauce and mozzarella.
  9. Bake 45 minutes at 350°, covered for first 35 minutes.
  10. Let set 15 minutes before cutting.
💡 Tip: Let the sauce cool before layering — it makes a big difference in the final texture.