Description
Hearty lasagna dreams come alive with this classic Italian masterpiece that blends rich meaty layers, creamy cheeses, and robust tomato sauce. Savory comfort awaits, promising a delicious journey through traditional flavors that will delight you at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 package lasagna noodles
Ground Beef/Protein Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate sugar, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sauce, simmering on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- While sauce is simmering, prepare lasagna noodles according to package instructions, draining and setting aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and well-blended.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and begin layering lasagna in a 9×13 inch baking dish, starting with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange noodles as the first layer, followed by spreading ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles.
- Add a generous layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat layering process 2-3 times, ensuring the top layer is covered with cheese and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Enhance meat flavor by browning ground beef and Italian sausage thoroughly, ensuring deep caramelization for richer taste.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant and aromatic sauce, particularly basil and parsley.
- Allow sauce to simmer low and slow, which helps develop complex, deep flavors and tenderizes meat.
- Consider alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based meat for healthier or vegetarian versions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg