A classic lasagna recipe perfect for feeding a crowd. Features a creamy ricotta cheese filling and meaty tomato sauce layered between sheets of lasagna noodles, topped with mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until golden and bubbly. This lasagna freezes well for convenient make-ahead meals.
lasagna noodlesabout 12 sheets or more as needed~1 lbest.
fresh ricotta15 oz
large egg1
fresh parsley, chopped1 tbsp
fresh mozzarella, sliced16 oz
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated¼ cups
olive oil or cooking sprayoptional, for pan~2 tbspest.
Steps
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1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove casing from Italian sausage and add to pot along with ground beef. Break up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon and brown evenly, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes.
3
While the meat browns, prepare garlic and onion by mincing and dicing them.
4
Add the garlic and onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.
5
Add tomato paste and stir to coat all the meat evenly. Cook for about 1 minute to concentrate the flavor.
6
Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar for balance, Italian seasoning, dried basil, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Optionally add lemon zest.
7
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 25 minutes until slightly thickened.
8
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
9
In a large bowl, combine fresh ricotta, one large egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
10
Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray if desired. Spread 2 cups of meat sauce on the bottom.
11
Layer pasta strips over the meat sauce, cutting to fit the dish as needed.
12
Spread about 1 cup of ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
13
Top with 2 cups of meat sauce and spread evenly.
14
Repeat the layers of pasta, remaining ricotta mixture, and more meat sauce.
15
Add a final layer of pasta and spread the remaining meat sauce on top.
16
Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
17
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes.
18
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optionally broil for 2 to 3 minutes for additional color.
19
Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to prevent the sauce from running.
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