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Homemade Lasagna

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This classic Homemade Lasagna is filled with rich layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty dish will satisfy everyone at the tabl

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 egg (beaten)

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • ½ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ pound Italian sausage
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 36 ounces pasta sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Topping:

  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Noodles:
    Cook lasagna noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking, and set them aside on a flat surface.
  • Make the Tomato Sauce:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
    In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh parsley, and the beaten egg. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  • Assemble the Lasagna:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, cheeses) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
  • Bake the Lasagna:
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Rest and Serve:
    Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Slice and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, feel free to add a bit of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
  • You can also substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or a vegetarian alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and it reheats wonderfully.