Description
This hearty and flavorful lasagna layers savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella between sheets of tender pasta. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 3/4 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Drain the fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer the sauce for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- To assemble, spread meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes.
- Let lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Letting the sauce simmer helps develop flavor and thicken it.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking for cleaner slices.
- For a lighter version, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
