Italian lasagna is the quintessential comfort food, filled with layers of rich flavors and textures. This classic dish combines tender sheets of lasagna pasta, a hearty meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The result is a savory, bubbly casserole with a golden crust that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Each bite is a celebration of the traditional flavors of Italy, crafted with love and shared around the table.
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Build the Meat Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a handful of mozzarella, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian lasagna!
