Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
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Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 egg (beaten)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 36 ounces pasta sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook lasagna noodles al dente according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking, and set them aside on a flat surface.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh parsley, and the beaten egg. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, cheeses) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
- Slice and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Sauce: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the tomato sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter alternative, or mix in some mascarpone for extra creaminess.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
This homemade lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory tomato sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender noodles creates a meal that’s rich, comforting, and unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it as leftovers, each bite is a taste of home. Try this recipe today and turn any meal into a special occasion. Bon appétit!
This recipe combines simplicity and elegance, taking just under two hours from start to finish. The layers of flavors and textures are worth every minute. Let the joy of cooking—and eating—this delicious dish bring warmth to your kitchen.
