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30-Minute Prep Absolute Best Homemade Lasagna

lasagna

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You are making the Absolute Best Homemade Classic Lasagna. This recipe delivers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly melted cheese layers for ultimate comfort food satisfaction. It is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large pot. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange four cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: four noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final four noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  15. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a richer meat sauce, use a mix of beef and pork sausage.
  • You can prepare the sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of tomato sauce slightly.
  • Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente; they will continue to soften during baking.

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