Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

LASAGNA

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Lasagna: Layers of Pasta, Rich Meat Sauce, and Gooey Cheese

This Lasagna recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy any craving for comfort food, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or when you just want something hearty and filling. The combination of tender noodles, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil noodles)
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

  1. If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside on parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, just set them aside.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
  2. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of cheese mixture. Add more meat sauce on top of the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce.
  3. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set for clean slices.
  2. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal.

Notes

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time by assembling it in the dish, covering it tightly, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. Bake it the next day, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Freezer Option: Lasagna also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 60-75 minutes.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, substitute the meat sauce with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, and add a bit of ricotta and mozzarella for the cheese layers.
  • Author: Mimi!
  • Prep Time: 45
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://mimiideas.com/lasagna-recipe/