Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings. It's a timeless comfort food that brings families and friends together around the dinner table. In this article, we'll guide you through a classic lasagna recipe that is sure to impress your loved ones. So, let's roll up our sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1/2 pound (225g) Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces/170g) tomato paste
1/2 cup (120ml) water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese filling:
2 cups (475g) ricotta cheese
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.
Drain any excess fat from the meat, if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the cheese filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
Spread a generous layer of the cheese filling over the noodles.
Repeat the layers, alternating between meat sauce, noodles, and cheese filling until you've used up all the ingredients.
End with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
Bake and serve:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it's tightly sealed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Slice into portions and serve hot.
Conclusion:
This classic lasagna recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is truly
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