Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 2 hrs 45 mins | Total time: 3 hrs 20 mins | Resting time: 15 mins | Servings: 12
This is a foolproof recipe for the best lasagna ever! It’s filled with homemade hearty beef and sausage sauce with layers of ricotta and loads of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Sauce:
¾ lb. ground beef, extra lean
1 lb. Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
1 small onion chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp fennel seeds
6 oz. tomato paste 1 can
8 oz. tomato sauce
28 oz. crushed tomatoes 1 can
½ c. water if needed
1 tbsp sugar
4 leaves basil, chopped
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp salt or to taste
½ tsp black pepper or to taste
Cheese Mixture:
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
16 oz. ricotta cheese
Lasagna:
1 lb. mozzarella cheese, fresh, grated
1 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
12 lasagna noodles oven ready
How to make The Best Lasagna
Step 1: Cook the sausage, beef, onion, and garlic on medium heat until browned and cooked through. Add the remaining ingredients. Put the lid on and let everything simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring often.
Step 2: To make the cheese mixture, combine the ricotta, egg, and parsley in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375 degrees F.
Step 4: In the bottom of a lasagna dish, spread about 1 1/2 c of the meat sauce. On top, arrange 4 noodles. On top, spread half of the ricotta mixture. Spread 1/3 of the mozzarella, followed by 1 1/2 c. of the meat mixture and 1/4 c. Parmesan. Do the same layers with the rest of the ingredients, ending with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Using foil, tent the lasagna. Grease the side of the foil facing the lasagna using cooking spray. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 25 minutes more.
Step 6: Remove the lasagna from the oven when done and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Slice the lasagna and serve. Enjoy!
Notes:
I recommend allowing the sauce to simmer for 1 1/2 hours. The sauce will taste better the longer it simmers.
Buy oven-ready noodles as they cook up excellently with the sauce without getting overdone.
If desired, you can throw in some fresh herbs in the sauce as it simmers.
In this recipe, you want to end up with 3 layers of noodles, making sure the sauce and ricotta are not too thick.
Store any leftovers directly in the lasagna pan. Make sure to wrap the pan well with plastic or foil. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. If desired, you can transfer leftovers in an airtight container instead.
Before serving, reheat the leftovers in the microwave. Or tent with foil and reheat for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees F until heated through.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 572 kcal (29%) Carbohydrates: 34g (11%) Protein: 32g (64%) Fat: 34g (52%) Saturated Fat: 16g (100%) Cholesterol: 121mg (40%) Sodium: 1103mg (48%) Potassium: 745mg (21%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 8g (9%) Vitamin A: 1129IU (23%) Vitamin C: 14mg (17%) Calcium: 431mg (43%) Iron: 4mg (22%)
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