Description
This Classic and Simple Meat Lasagna is a timeless dish that features layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and tender lasagna noodles, all topped with melted mozzarella. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.
Ingredients
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For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Cheese Layer:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Additional Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt until well combined.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer four lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then a layer of mozzarella, followed by more meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering two more times, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
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Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
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Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef and sausage with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg