There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling lasagna wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where her legendary lasagna was always the star of the show. Today, I’m excited to share with you my take on this classic dish – a hearty, flavorful traditional meat lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground sausage
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well and set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, and 1/4 of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers twice more.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Lasagna Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook them until just al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Let it rest: This 15-minute rest isn’t just for show. It allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.
Serving and Storage
Serve this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate Italian feast. Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Ready to create your own lasagna masterpiece? This recipe might take a bit of time, but the results are so worth it. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Share your lasagna creations with us on social media using #UltimateLasagna. We’d love to see how yours turned out!
Happy cooking, and buon appetito! 🍝👨🍳👩🍳
