Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Ricotta Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembling:
- 12–15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (or no-boil noodles)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (3–4 noodles).
- Spread half of the ricotta filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta filling, and meat sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, tent the foil slightly).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
Homemade lasagna is a comforting and classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.