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The Best Lasagna

The Best Lasagna: A Heartwarming Family Favorite Recipe

The Best Lasagna is a comforting classic filled with savory layers, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 pound Ground Beef extra lean
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup Water adjust to consistency
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar to balance acidity
  • 1 teaspoon Basil fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt & Pepper for seasoning
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For Assembly
  • 12 Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • medium pot
  • large bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pot, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for another 2-3 minutes until translucent. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and adjust with water. Sprinkle in sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let simmer covered for 1.5 hours.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, large egg, and chopped parsley. Stir well until blended, and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, spoon a layer of meat sauce, then add a layer of noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil lightly sprayed, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This lasagna is freezer-friendly and can be made ahead for meal prep. Consider doubling the recipe for busy nights.

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