Description
Hearty layers of classic Italian lasagna promise a symphony of rich flavors dancing between tender pasta sheets and savory meat sauce. Generations of Italian culinary tradition shine through each carefully crafted bite, inviting you to savor a comforting slice of pure gastronomic delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (lb) ground beef
- 0.5 pound (lb) Italian sausage, casings removed
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 28-ounce (oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce (oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons (tbsp) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) dried basil
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon (tsp) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (tsp) black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon (tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Egg Layer:
- 15 ounces (oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (tbsp) chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon (tsp) dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Additional Cheese:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef, sausage, and onions in a skillet, allowing excess fat to drain. Infuse with minced garlic and incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Season the sauce generously with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, balancing with a touch of sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and sauce thickens, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, prepare them by immersing in boiling water until tender. Carefully extract and arrange on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the creamy cheese mixture by whisking ricotta with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and complementary seasonings until smooth and well integrated.
- Preheat the oven to a precise 375°F, ensuring optimal baking temperature.
- Assemble the lasagna in strategic layers: begin with a thin meat sauce base, followed by a layer of noodles, then spread a generous portion of ricotta mixture.
- Liberally sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the ricotta, creating a rich, melty surface. Repeat layering process two more times, building depth of flavor.
- Crown the final layer with remaining meat sauce and a lavish topping of mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
- Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and sauce becomes effervescent.
- Allow the lasagna to rest and stabilize for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling cleaner, more precise slicing and allowing flavors to harmonize.
Notes
- Choose high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage for richer, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy, heavy lasagna and ensure a lighter, more enjoyable texture.
- Allow the meat sauce to simmer longer for deeper, more concentrated tomato flavors that will intensify the overall taste.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley instead of dried when possible to boost the aromatic quality of the lasagna.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pasta sheets with zucchini slices or gluten-free lasagna noodles without compromising texture.
- Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing meat with roasted vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty plant-based option.
- Enhance the cheese mixture by adding a touch of nutmeg or grated garlic for an unexpected depth of flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delicious final dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg