The Perfect Lasagna
Dive into comfort food heaven with *The Perfect Lasagna*, a classic Italian-inspired dish layered with rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. This recipe balances tender lasagna noodles with a hearty combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, beautifully seasoned with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The creamy ricotta mixture, enhanced with Parmesan and fresh parsley, adds a luxurious texture, while the golden, bubbly cheese topping offers irresistible appeal. With a bake time that ensures every flavor melds to perfection, this lasagna is ideal for family dinners, celebrations, or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Give this easy-to-follow recipe a try for an unforgettable homemade dish that serves up to eight and leaves everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until well combined.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
To assemble, spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by about 1 cup of meat sauce, and then 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1036 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.9 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.4 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 180 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 1445 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.7 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.8 g | ||
| Protein | 56.7 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 708 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 849 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
