Description
A classic homemade lasagna recipe made with layers of creamy ricotta cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Perfect Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into small, uniform pieces with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is golden-brown, add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and oregano, stirring well. Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and add the lasagna noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and place noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel.
- Create the Creamy Ricotta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process once more, finishing with a layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Variations can include adding spinach or mushrooms to the layers for added nutrients.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg