Description
Comforting lasagna layers promise a delightful Italian classic that sings with rich flavors and hearty textures. Cheesy pasta sheets nestled between savory meat sauce invite you to savor each mouthwatering bite of this irresistible family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
Herbs and Spices:
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Ricotta Filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
Cheese and Noodles:
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Introduce ground beef and pork, breaking meat into small crumbles. Cook until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, developing rich flavors for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and salt in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Create a thin foundation of bolognese sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange uncooked lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce.
- Carefully spread one-third of ricotta mixture across noodles, followed by one-third of bolognese sauce.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce layer.
- Repeat layering process two additional times, ensuring final layer consists of noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
- Dust top with Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Seal dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection.
- Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a rich, concentrated sauce texture.
- Choose high-quality ground meats for deeper flavor and better overall taste in the bolognese sauce.
- Replace traditional pasta sheets with zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains delicious layers.
- Enhance meal prep by assembling lasagna in advance and refrigerating or freezing before baking, making weeknight dinners easier and more convenient.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 656 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg