Description
A rich, hearty lasagna filled with savory meats, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 250 g (½ lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup provolone or fontina cheese (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat and return the skillet to heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
- Make the Ricotta Layer: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream (or cream cheese), egg, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by three lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Top with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Brush with melted butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner servings. Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna, Italian, comfort food, cheesy, hearty