Description
This classic and easy lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this comforting Italian-American dish serves 8 and is ideal for family dinners and special occasions. The homemade meat sauce simmers slowly to develop deep flavors, while the tender noodles and cheesy layers come together beautifully in the oven to create a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, onions, and garlic over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and salt. Mix well until smooth to create the creamy filling layer.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the lasagna.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce layering two more times, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the layers to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes outside the oven to let the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve hot.
Notes
- For easier slicing, allow the lasagna to rest after baking so the layers firm up.
- If you prefer, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese in the cheese mixture.
- Fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor to the meat sauce, but they can be omitted if undesired.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on assembly day.
- Make sure lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to avoid them becoming overly soft after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
