Description
Enjoy a comforting classic with this lasagna, featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 8-10 minutes).
- Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
- Add the sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the meat sauce is simmering, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a quarter of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and another quarter of the meat sauce.
- For the final layer, place the last 4 noodles on top, spread the remaining meat sauce over them, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesnt touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes