Description
Layers of rich, hearty homemade lasagna promise a comforting Italian classic that sings with robust flavors. Melted cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta sheets create a memorable dinner experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 egg (beaten)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)
Remaining Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 36 ounces (1.02 kilograms) pasta sauce
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook lasagna noodles until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and arrange the noodles on a clean kitchen towel to prevent adhesion.
- In a robust skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Eliminate excess grease through thorough draining. Incorporate pasta sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, fresh parsley, and a beaten egg until smooth and well-integrated.
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Establish a foundational layer of meat sauce in a spacious baking dish to prevent potential sticking. Strategically layer noodles, followed by a generous spread of ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and a lavish sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layering process, ensuring the final layer showcases an abundant cheese topping.
- Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the layers to stabilize and consolidate. Slice carefully and serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.
Notes
- Perfectly cook noodles al dente to maintain their texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
- Pat pasta noodles dry after rinsing to ensure sauce adheres better and prevents watery lasagna.
- Use a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper, more complex meat flavor profile.
- Select high-quality ricotta cheese for smoother, creamier cheese layers that enhance overall dish richness.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking so layers can stabilize and cutting becomes cleaner and more precise.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese and tofu ricotta for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for convenient meal prep and quick future dinners.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to customize sauce’s aromatic complexity.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg