Classic Lasagna Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the cheese filling:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For the lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meat sauce:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the cheese filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. Assemble the lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place 3 lasagna noodles over the meat sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat layers twice, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce.
   • Cover with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly.
   • Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade classic lasagna, with its rich layers of flavor and cheesy goodness!