Indulge in the delectable layers of Italian flavors with this savory lasagna recipe. Featuring a tantalizing combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and a symphony of cheeses, this dish promises a culinary adventure. Embrace the simplicity of each step as you craft this Italian classic in your kitchen.

The Ingredients

Cheese Filling: Delight in the creamy embrace of ricotta and parmesan, heightened by a dash of parsley. Don’t fret if ricotta isn’t in your pantry; cottage cheese serves as an excellent substitute.

Meat: Elevate the flavor profile with a harmonious blend of Italian sausage and ground beef. For an all-beef variation, infuse the mixture with fennel seeds and Italian seasoning.

Sauce: Savor the convenience of pasta or marinara sauce, effortlessly elevating the dish. For the culinary enthusiasts, crafting homemade sauce from crushed and canned tomatoes presents a delightful alternative.

Spinach (variation): Embark on a culinary detour by incorporating defrosted frozen spinach into the lasagna layers, adding a verdant twist to the ensemble.

Making the Culinary Symphony

Boil Pasta: Immerse lasagna noodles in a pot of salted water, ensuring they achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Prepare Meat Sauce: Saute Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until they surrender their flavors. Simmer the amalgam with pasta sauce until it thickens to perfection.

Combine Cheese Mixture: Merge the cheeses, parsley, and seasonings in a harmonious blend, preparing the creamy core of the lasagna.

Layer & Bake: Embark on a culinary canvas, alternating between meat sauce, cheese mixture, and lasagna noodles until the ensemble is complete. Bake until golden brown and bubbling with anticipation.

Reveling in the Layers

Dive into a symphony of flavors with each layer meticulously crafted:

Sauce – Noodles – Cheese

Sauce – Noodles – Cheese

Sauce – Noodles – Cheese

Noodles – Sauce (Bake) – Cheese

The Art of Baking

Embrace the ritual of baking, shrouding the masterpiece with aluminum foil to retain its moisture. Unveil the splendor, topping it with a decadent layer of mozzarella and parmesan before returning it to the oven for its final crescendo.

Embracing Preparation

Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna in advance, refrigerating it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, indulge in the convenience of freezing, storing the culinary delight for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat: Revive the flavors by reheating the lasagna in the oven or microwave, ensuring each bite retains its savory allure.

Italian Lasagna

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Recipe by admin Course: MainCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

377

kcal

Resting time

1

hour 

45

minutes

Total time

3

hours 

15

minutes

Craft a culinary masterpiece with this homemade lasagna recipe, brimming with rich flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded and divided

• Tomato Sauce:

• ½ pound lean ground beef

• ½ pound Italian sausage

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 36 ounces pasta sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Cheese Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
• In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, ricotta, parsley, egg, and salt.
• Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13 pan. Layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and sauce.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until browned.
• Rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Adjust sauce quantity based on preference.
• For a thicker cheese layer, divide cheese accordingly.
• Fresh lasagna sheets eliminate the boiling step.
• Resting ensures optimal texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 377kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 71mg
• Sodium: 857mg
• Potassium: 492mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Calcium: 526mg
• Iron: 2.2mg