Description
This hearty Italian lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or gathering. Layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles will delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 pound Italian Sausage
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Egg
- To taste Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- Optional, a pinch Crushed Red Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage. Cook until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering the noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles topped with a remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Rest before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This will make serving easier and help the layers hold together.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.
- Variation: Try adding layers of spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
- Freezing Tip: Lasagna freezes well. To freeze, assemble and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg