Mom’s Classic Lasagna

Fall and winter are all about comfort food.

And what’s more comforting than your favourite recipes from growing up?  This lasagna is probably the food I remember eating most often growing up, and one of the only things I knew how to make when I moved out: meat, noodles, cheese, noodles, meat.  I will never forget that order, repeated many times by my patient mom.

For many a family gathering or weeknight dinner, Mom would pull out a fully prepped lasagna, pop it in the oven, add fresh garlic bread and caesar salad, and have a dinner that was a hit every time.  Carl also remembers eating this often at our house – and Mom probably remembers needing an extra half pan if she knew he was coming.

When we were making dinners for my freezer to be enjoyed post-baby, this lasagna was at the top of my list.

I don’t make it nearly often enough since it always seems like a lot of work when I see the long ingredient list, but it really isn’t difficult at all.  Sure, it makes a couple pans dirty, but it is easy to double or triple and mass produce, and there is nothing better than knowing I have a backup pan or two of lasagna in the freezer.  If you use oven-ready noodles, this is even easier, and I discovered last time that you can bake this right from frozen by simply adding 20 minutes to the cooking time – perfect if you’re like me and never remember to pull things out to thaw a day in advance! I also love using gluten free oven ready lasagna noodles to make this a perfect gluten free pasta dish!

Chelsea’s delicious White Cheese and Chicken Lasagna remains one of the most popular recipes on this site, but I had to share our traditional version with you too.  So, what’s your preference – white sauce or meat sauce?

Switch up this rich meat sauce with your favourite veggies or homemade sauce – we love grated zucchini, a bit of spinach, and grated peppers, since chunks always get raised eyebrows from the kids and result in finger-mouth fishing.  Carl also prefers ricotta cheese over the original cottage cheese for texture reasons – I like both equally.

I have no idea where Mom got the recipe from originally – I’m going to assume her lovely head?  This lasagna is a staple in our family cookbook and as such will be remembered forever, so I can pass it on to my children when the time comes when they’ll need a perfectly simple, satisfying, comforting meal for their families and friends.

I hope you and yours enjoy it as much as we do!  And don’t forget the garlic bread and salad…red wine optional :)