Description
This classic Italian lasagna is the perfect comforting meal after a long day of work. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey melted mozzarella create a hearty and satisfying dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Noodles and Cheese Filling
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep flavors.
- Prepare Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, then spread some of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, add a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the lasagna to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this lasagna.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors for even better taste.
- Leftovers reheat well and this dish can be frozen for longer storage.
