Description
Delicious layers of homemade lasagna promise comfort and rich Italian flavors in one incredible dish. Cheesy, meaty, and perfectly seasoned, this classic recipe delivers pure satisfaction that brings hungry families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 36 ounces (1022 grams) pasta sauce
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
- Cook pasta noodles in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly brown ground meats with finely chopped onions and minced garlic, carefully draining excess fat.
- Craft the sauce by combining tomato ingredients, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Create a creamy cheese mixture by blending ricotta, chopped fresh parsley, and a whisked egg until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Begin layering in a 9×13 baking dish, starting with a generous spread of meat sauce, followed by a layer of noodles, then spreading a portion of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering process twice, ensuring even distribution of sauce and cheese layers.
- Complete the top layer with remaining noodles and pour the final layer of meat sauce evenly across the surface.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheeses on top, and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
- Optional: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly crispy, caramelized cheese topping.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing, which helps maintain structured, clean-cut portions.
Notes
- Boost Moisture Add a splash of water or extra sauce if the lasagna seems dry during baking to maintain a juicy texture.
- Customize Cheese Experiment with different cheese blends like adding mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead Prepare lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner prep easier.
- Dietary Swap Replace meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg