Name: Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 pound ground beef; 1 large white onion, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (passata or tomato puree); 1/2 cup white wine; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound lasagna pasta; 30 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese (about 24 slices); 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A white plate holds a square piece of lasagna with multiple layers clearly visible. The top layer is golden and bubbly melted cheese, slightly browned in spots, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Beneath is a rich red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat, and visible bits of diced vegetables. The pasta layers are slightly crinkled and pale yellow, separating the sauce and melted cheese. A woman's hand uses a white spatula to lift a portion of the lasagna, showing the warm, gooey texture of the cheese and sauce. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred glass bowl of green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
1 large white onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (passata or tomato puree)
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound lasagna pasta
30 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese (about 24 slices)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the meat is well browned, stirring constantly.
Step 2: Stir in the granulated sugar, chopped fresh basil, fennel seeds, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and white wine. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, prepare the lasagna noodles. Place the noodles in the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan, then pour hot tap water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard the water.
Step 5: Make the ricotta mixture by combining ricotta cheese, one large egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ground nutmeg in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep dish 9×13 or lasagna pan.
Step 7: To assemble, spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top.
Step 8: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then add one-quarter of the mozzarella slices on top. Spoon 1½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Repeat this layering process two more times with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce, and Parmesan, creating a total of three complete layers.
Step 10: Finish with a final layer of noodles, then spread 1 cup of meat sauce over the top to keep the pasta moist. Cover with the remaining mozzarella slices and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 11: Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Step 12: Serve the lasagna hot and enjoy the layers of savory sauce and melted cheese.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter meat option while keeping the rich flavors.
Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and depth.
Let the sauce simmer longer for a more concentrated flavor and tender meat.
Use no-boil noodles to save the soaking step, adjusting sauce quantities if needed.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole pan covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with six large square pieces of lasagna. The top layer is covered evenly with melted, golden-brown cheese that has small browned spots scattered across, with some green herbs sprinkled on top. Beneath the cheese, layers of tomato sauce peek through with a rich red color around the edges, blending into the sides of the dish. The surface underneath the baking dish is a white marbled texture, and a white cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare lasagna in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried basil and parsley can be used instead. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.