Ultimate Classic Lasagna with Hearty Meat Sauce
A comforting and hearty lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, cheese, and classic Italian flavors, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
For Layering
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic. Drain the fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt.
Layering and Cooking
- In a 9×13 pan, layer the ingredients starting with sauce, then noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process for a total of three layers.
- Top the last layer with sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the pan and bake in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.