Description
This classic Homemade Lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it combines savory Italian sausage and ground beef with flavorful herbs and tomato sauce, layered between tender pasta sheets and topped with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage, ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds (optional), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer uncovered over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain noodles and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, well-combined cheese filling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers.
- Assemble the Lasagna Base: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in a single layer.
- Layer the Cheese and Sauce: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then add a layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the lasagna to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking. This step helps the layers set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For easier handling, add a little olive oil to the boiling water to prevent noodles from sticking.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavors and save time on assembly day.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if preferred, but ricotta provides a creamier texture.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
