Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering Lasagna with Meat Sauce! This Italian classic is not just a meal; it's a celebration of rich flavors and hearty ingredients that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, a savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy night in, our lasagna recipe is the perfect solution. Ready to dive into this delicious journey? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, laying noodles flat to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking meat into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer the meat sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with half the meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining meat sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 8 portions and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just assemble the lasagna when you're ready to bake!
- Noodle Tip: Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking. This helps prevent a mushy texture.
- Layering: Don’t skimp on the layers! Ensure each layer is generous with sauce and cheese for a truly decadent lasagna.
- Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to the meat sauce for an extra nutritional boost.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Leftover Magic: Lasagna makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra portions in the fridge and enjoy them the next day or freeze for a quick meal later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
