The Best Lasagna Ever – Layers of Perfection!

Understanding the allure behind homemade lasagna can deepen your appreciation for the effort involved in creating this beloved dish.

The Best Lasagna Ever – Layers of Perfection!

Discover the ultimate comfort food with a recipe for the best lasagna ever! This timeless dish features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella that melt together in perfect harmony. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this lasagna will impress everyone at the table. Dive into the details of crafting this delicious meal and create lasting memories through every layer.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp dried basil

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Ricotta Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

For Layering:

12 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil)

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Extra fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

- Stir in the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

- Place 3 lasagna noodles over this sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and then layer with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by 3 additional lasagna noodles. Repeat the ricotta mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

- Place 3 more noodles on top, and then spread the remaining meat sauce, followed by the last cup of mozzarella cheese.

- If you have any cheese left, feel free to sprinkle it on top for that extra gooey goodness.

Bake the Lasagna:

- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want a nice golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.

Let It Rest:

- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Serve:

- Garnish with extra chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your layers of perfection!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr 30 mins | 8-10 servings