Go Back
- 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - Herbs and spices: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making classic lasagna, gather all the ingredients first. This helps you stay organized. You need both meat and veggie flavors. The ground beef and Italian sausage give a rich taste. The onion and garlic add sweetness and depth. For the sauce, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick base. Adding herbs like oregano and basil brings warmth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; they enhance every bite. The cheese mixture is just as important. Ricotta cheese mixed with an egg makes it creamy. This mix gives a smooth texture between the layers. Lastly, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese top off the lasagna. They create a bubbly golden crust. Fresh basil leaves add a bright finish. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This classic dish is all about layering and balance. Enjoy the process, and remember, cooking is all about having fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} To begin, boil salted water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the lasagna noodles. Cook them until they are al dente, as per the package instructions. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This helps prevent them from sticking together. In a large skillet, place one pound of ground beef and one pound of Italian sausage. Set the heat to medium. Cook the meat until it is well browned. Stir often and break any large chunks with a spoon. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat. Next, add one finely chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is clear and smells good. Then, stir in two cans of crushed tomatoes and two tablespoons of tomato paste. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let this sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to mix the flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine two cups of ricotta cheese with one large egg. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Mix this well until it’s smooth and creamy. This cheese mixture adds richness to the lasagna. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place four lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture and one-third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layer one more time. Finish with another layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil does not touch the cheese to avoid sticking. You can spray the underside of the foil lightly with cooking spray. Bake the lasagna for 25 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Once you've baked the lasagna, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers stay together when you slice it. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To make your meat sauce truly shine, start with fresh herbs. Fresh oregano and basil add a bright note. You can also mix in a splash of red wine to deepen the flavor. Let the sauce simmer longer for richer taste. Stir it often to prevent sticking. For perfect layers, use a spatula to spread sauce evenly. Place noodles flat to avoid gaps. Alternate between cheese and meat to balance flavors. Press down gently as you layer to create stability. This makes cutting and serving easier. If you want a twist, try different cheeses. Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor. Cream cheese adds creaminess. You can mix in some ricotta with spinach for extra nutrients. Just ensure your cheese melts well for that gooey texture we love. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use No-Boil Noodles: For an even quicker preparation, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. They absorb moisture during baking and save you the hassle of pre-cooking. Tip Title: Layering Technique: Ensure that you spread the sauces evenly between the layers. This helps in achieving a well-balanced flavor in every bite. Tip Title: Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Tip Title: Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider adding layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers between the noodles. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian lasagna by swapping out the meat. Try using: - 1 pound of mushrooms, finely chopped - 1 pound of spinach, fresh or frozen - 1 zucchini, sliced thin - 1 bell pepper, chopped These veggies add flavor and texture. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic for extra taste. The crushed tomatoes will still be the base of your sauce, keeping it rich and hearty. Feel free to get creative with add-ins. Here are some great options: - 1 cup of diced eggplant - 1 cup of roasted red peppers - 1 cup of artichoke hearts, drained - 1 cup of cooked lentils for extra protein These ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. Mix and match to fit your tastes. Just make sure any add-ins are cooked and ready to layer! You can switch up the cheese for new flavors. Some tasty options include: - Goat cheese for a tangy twist - Fontina cheese for creaminess - Gruyère cheese for a nutty flavor Combining different cheeses can make your lasagna unique. Just keep the same amount of cheese to maintain the creamy texture. Enjoy experimenting with these options! After enjoying your classic lasagna, let it cool down. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. To keep the taste and texture, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the lasagna cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy meals. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to 3 months. Remember to label the bag with the date. To enjoy your lasagna again, 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 25 minutes or until hot. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick warming. Just heat a single portion for 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can make classic lasagna ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance. Assemble the layers and cover the dish. Store it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can store cooked lasagna in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Lasagna pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread - A simple green salad - Roasted vegetables - Steamed broccoli These dishes add flavor and balance to your meal. You can tell if your lasagna is done by looking for a few signs. The cheese should be melted and golden. The edges may bubble slightly. You can also check the center. Insert a knife; it should come out hot. Let it cool a bit before slicing. This helps the layers stay together. You’ve learned the key ingredients and steps to make delicious lasagna. From cooking the noodles to layering the rich flavors, each part matters for a tasty dish. You can even customize it to fit your taste with variations or cheese alternatives. Remember, cooling it properly enhances the flavor. With these tips, you can serve lasagna like a chef and impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite of your homemade creation!

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 medium onion, finely 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 freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, and gently lay them on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until both are well browned. Use a spoon to break up any large chunks. Once browned, drain excess fat from the skillet.
  • To the meat mixture, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Place 4 layers of lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process once more. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, the rest of the mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden on top.
  • Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Just before serving, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Allow the lasagna to cool before slicing for better layer stability.
Keyword cheese, Italian, lasagna, pasta