Description
This easy lasagna recipe combines rich ricotta cheese, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, and a robust marinara sauce layered with tender lasagna noodles and plenty of melted mozzarella. Slow-simmered meat sauce and a blend of cheeses come together to create a classic Italian comfort meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients for easier cooking.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onions and cook for 10 minutes until softened and slightly sweetened. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat finely with a spatula. Cook 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic during the last minute, then drain excess grease carefully.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer gently while boiling pasta noodles.
- Preheat Oven & Cook Noodles: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Lay noodles flat on wax or parchment paper.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1 heaping cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles, followed by approximately 1 ½ cups meat sauce. Repeat layering two more times with noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining meat sauce. Top evenly with 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese.
- Cover & Bake: Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the baking dish tightly with foil, spray side down to prevent cheese sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Uncover & Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Rest & Serve: Remove lasagna from oven and let rest for 15 minutes to allow layers to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread topped with cheese for a comforting, complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat sauce option.
- Using fresh Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor compared to pre-grated.
- If marinara sauce is not available, substitute with your favorite tomato pasta sauce.
- For easier assembly, prepare meat sauce and cheese mixture a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving ensures clean, sturdy slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: lasagna, Italian, baked pasta, comfort food, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, family dinner
