Description
This classic homemade lasagna is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Simple ingredients and hearty flavors come together in this satisfying baked dish.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1/2 lb Italian sausage
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
-
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
-
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
-
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil (or 1 tbsp dried)
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/4 tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp sugar
For the Cheese Mixture:
-
15 oz ricotta cheese
-
1 egg
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tbsp chopped parsley
For Assembling:
-
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
-
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Make the meat sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat. -
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Mix the cheese filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until well blended. -
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1 cup of meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers two more times, ending with mozzarella on top. -
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
-
You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
-
Add spinach to the ricotta layer for extra veggies.
-
Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer.