Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe

Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (in addition to the amount for the filling)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef (or mixture of beef and sausage), breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and parsley.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
   • Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Top with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of noodles and meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and slightly golden brown.
6. Let It Rest:
   • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• You can also pair it with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a medium-bodied Merlot.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty homemade lasagna!