Description
Classic comfort food made with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. A family favorite that’s always worth the effort.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg and parsley.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer with 3 noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of mozzarella, and 1/3 of the Parmesan. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining sauce and cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can make the sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
Add chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for a veggie boost.
Freezes well before or after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
