Name: Classic Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp sugar; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Description

This Classic Italian Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and perfect for Sunday dinner, holidays, or when you just want a satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp sugar

For the cheese layer:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Other layers:

9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook noodles (if not oven-ready): Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or a towel.
Make the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Repeat layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, two more times.
- Finish with remaining sauce and a final layer of mozzarella on top.
Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together.

Notes

You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for easy meal prep.