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- 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 egg - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese To make classic lasagna, I start with the main ingredients. The ground beef and Italian sausage create a rich, meaty flavor. I mix them in a skillet and cook until they turn brown. Next, I add the chopped onion and minced garlic. This combo adds a sweet aroma to the dish. The crushed tomatoes and tomato paste give the sauce its body. I like to add dried oregano and basil for that Italian kick. Don't forget salt and pepper for taste! Next, I prepare the cheese mixture. I combine ricotta cheese with an egg, salt, and pepper. This mix gives a creamy layer in the lasagna. I use lasagna noodles, which hold everything together. - Fresh basil leaves - Additional cheese options For a fresh touch, I like using fresh basil leaves as a garnish. They add color and flavor to the dish. If you want more cheese, sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top. This makes the lasagna even richer and cheesier. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook lasagna noodles to al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 lasagna noodles carefully. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Check for doneness; they should be firm but not hard. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking. Set them aside on a clean kitchen towel. First, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook until brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Stir and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion turns soft and translucent. Now, it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with one egg, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until it's creamy and smooth. Now, it's time to layer the lasagna. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, add one-third of the meat sauce and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process one more time. Finally, place the last four lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining meat sauce over them. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. To prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. Once done, let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set. Enjoy your hearty Italian dish! To make your meat sauce shine, you must simmer it. Simmering helps all the flavors mix well. It also allows the meat to soak up the spices. After adding the tomatoes and seasonings, let it cook for at least 20 minutes. Stir it often, and you will notice the rich taste developing. This step is key for a hearty lasagna. Layering is important for a solid lasagna. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. This prevents the noodles from sticking. Add noodles, then ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat until you finish the ingredients. Make sure to distribute everything evenly. This creates a balanced dish that holds together when sliced. Avoid soggy lasagna by following some simple tips. First, don't skimp on draining the meat. Excess fat can make the dish watery. Second, cook the noodles to al dente. If they are too soft, they will become mushy in the oven. Last, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps moisture in but removes it halfway through to crisp the cheese. These steps will help you achieve a perfect lasagna. Pro Tips Layering Technique: Ensure to spread the sauce evenly between the noodles to prevent them from sticking together during baking. Cheese Choice: For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream with the ricotta cheese. Resting Time: Let the lasagna rest after baking to help the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute the ground beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian classic lasagna by swapping meat for veggies or plant-based protein. Use layers of spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost. These ingredients bring great flavor and texture. They will make your dish hearty and satisfying without meat. For those who love cheese or meat, there are great ways to enhance your lasagna. You can add more cheese layers like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Try different meats too, like ground turkey or chicken. Mixing meats can add depth to your sauce. This way, you make a rich and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. If you need gluten-free or low-carb options, you can replace traditional noodles. Use sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of lasagna noodles. This keeps the layers intact while cutting carbs. You can also find gluten-free pasta that works well in this recipe. These alternatives make it easy to enjoy lasagna without gluten. To store leftover lasagna, first, let it cool. Once cool, cover it well. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying out. If you have a sealed container, that works great too. It’s best to store it in the fridge. Leftover lasagna will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. When it’s time to reheat lasagna, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it gets warm all the way through. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick heating. Just use a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Freezing lasagna is easy and great for meal prep. After assembling but before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in foil for extra protection. Label the date on the outside. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake it straight from the fridge at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Make sure it's hot in the center before serving. You can prepare lasagna a day in advance. Follow these steps: - Cook the noodles and make the meat sauce. - Layer the ingredients in your baking dish. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. When you’re ready, take it out and bake as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you save time on busy days and still serve a hot, tasty meal. Yes, homemade sauces are a great choice. They can enhance the flavor of your lasagna. Here’s how to make a simple meat sauce: - Start by browning ground beef and sausage in a pan. - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat. - Stir in crushed tomatoes and your favorite spices. Using fresh ingredients gives your sauce a rich taste. Plus, you control the flavors and ingredients, making it a healthier option. Lasagna pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some suggestions: - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans. These sides complement the rich flavors of the lasagna. They add balance and freshness to your meal. Enjoy your hearty dinner! Classic lasagna combines rich meat, cheese, and fresh flavors. You learned to cook noodles and prepare the perfect meat sauce. I shared tips for flavor and common mistakes to avoid. You can also try variations, like vegetarian or gluten-free options. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers later. Use these tips to make your lasagna a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!

Layered Delight Lasagna

A delicious layered lasagna with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich cheese mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Cook until the onion is translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top, spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more. Top with the final lasagna noodles, the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing for better layering.
Keyword beef, cheese, lasagna, pasta