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lasagna

Absolute Best Homemade Lasagna in 9 Easy Steps


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make the absolute best homemade lasagna. This recipe delivers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted cheese. It is true comfort food perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese


Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
  8. Arrange four cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: 4 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final 4 noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  14. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time.
  • Use oven-ready noodles if you prefer skipping the boiling step, but check your package directions.
  • For extra richness, substitute some of the mozzarella with provolone.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg