Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Bring the taste of an authentic Italian trattoria right to your kitchen with this ultimate homemade lasagna recipe. Featuring layers of tender pasta sheets, a savory and slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a heavy crown of bubbly golden mozzarella, every single bite is pure comfort food perfection. Whether you are hosting a weekend dinner party or preparing a cozy family meal, this classic dish is guaranteed to be a massive hit!

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 3 hours

  • Servings: 8 servings

  • Course: Main Course

  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided

  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Make the Meat Sauce: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully crumbled. Drain excess grease.

  2. Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Season with 1 tablespoon of parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour to build deep flavor.

  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and remaining parsley in a medium mixing bowl. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside.

  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

  5. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, sprinkle with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, and top with a layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with noodles, remaining meat sauce, and a final heavy layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

  6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese). Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers hold together cleanly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your incredible homemade lasagna!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 540 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 41g

  • Protein: 36g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Fiber: 4g

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