Lasagna is a timeless Italian dish that has become a favorite in many households around the world. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese come together to create a comforting and hearty meal. This classic lasagna recipe will guide you through making this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well.
   • Season with sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh parsley and set aside.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

   • While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan.
   • Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses make a big difference in flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
• Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This classic lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy making and eating this delicious dish!

Feel free to share your variations and tips in the comments below. Buon appetito!

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