Description
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a classic and comforting dish with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for a hearty family dinner. Ideal for making ahead or freezing, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with 4 lasagna noodles. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers twice more, ending with remaining meat sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and bake it the next day. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on busy days.
Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. Prepare and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings