Description
This easy lasagna recipe layers rich ricotta cheese, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful marinara sauce between tender lasagna noodles. With a blend of Italian seasonings, garlic, and a hint of heat from hot sauce, it’s a classic comfort dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Marinara sauce can be store-bought or homemade.
- Adding hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce in the meat sauce gives a depth of flavor and a slight kick.
- Do not overcook the noodles; al dente texture helps maintain the structure of the lasagna.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
