Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, it’s the ultimate dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This easy lasagna recipe is packed with flavor and will leave your guests asking for seconds. Follow this guide to create a mouthwatering lasagna from scratch!
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 3/4 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 1 onion (diced)
- 7 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp cracked black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Optional: Lemon zest (for added freshness)
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
- For Assembly:
- 12-15 sheets of lasagna pasta (store-bought)
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add 3/4 lb Italian sausage (removed from casing) and 3/4 lb ground beef. Break the meat up using a wooden spoon, ensuring it is evenly browned. Stir occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
While the meat is browning, prepare the garlic and onion. Mince 7 cloves of garlic and dice 1 onion. Once the meat is browned, add the garlic and onion to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are softened.
Next, add 6 oz tomato paste to the pan, stirring it into the meat mixture for about 1 minute. This step enhances the tomato flavor and gives the sauce richness. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 15 oz tomato sauce, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp cracked black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low for about 25 minutes until it thickens.
Step 2: Preparing the Pasta
While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your lasagna sheets (12-15) according to the package instructions, making sure they are al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming overcooked or sticky.
Step 3: Making the Cheese Sauce
In a large bowl, combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. If you prefer, you can add other herbs like oregano or basil for more flavor. You can also add lemon zest for a bright, fresh note to balance the richness of the dish.
Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Start by spreading 2 cups of meat sauce evenly at the bottom of the pan. Layer pasta sheets on top of the sauce, followed by 1/2 of the cheese sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta. Add another 2 cups of meat sauce on top of the cheese sauce.
Repeat this process, layering pasta, cheese sauce, and meat sauce. For the top layer, add the remaining meat sauce and top it with fresh mozzarella slices and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy finish.
Step 5: Baking the Lasagna
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the lasagna is golden and bubbling. If you prefer a crispy, golden top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Resting and Serving
Once the lasagna is done baking, let it rest for 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. After resting, cut the lasagna into portions and serve. Enjoy the layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta!
Conclusion
This classic lasagna recipe is simple to make and perfect for anyone looking to prepare a comforting, hearty meal. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, this dish will surely satisfy your hunger. It’s also great for meal prep, as you can make it ahead and even freeze leftovers. Try it today and treat yourself to a delicious homemade lasagna!
