Description
This rich and flavorful lasagna features layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
Ingredients
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For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 small onion (diced)
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Ricotta Mixture:
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15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
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1 egg
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
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- 12 lasagna noodles (boiled until al dente, or use oven-ready noodles)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. (Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)
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Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients in this order:
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A thin layer of meat sauce
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Lasagna noodles (slightly overlapping)
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Ricotta mixture
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Mozzarella cheese
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Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of sauce and cheese
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Bake the Lasagna: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
Notes
- Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Letting it rest prevents a runny lasagna and helps it hold its shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (~8 oz)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg