Discover how to make a classic homestyle lasagna that’s filled with rich flavors and comforting goodness. This step-by-step recipe guides you through creating a meaty red sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly baked layers that will make your dinner table a place of joy. Experience the comforting delight of lasagna at Ineskohl Kitchen, where flavor meets tradition!
all over the place, and you won’t get those perfect, delicious layers. So, let it sit, and let’s prepare to dive into this incredible dish!
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 3/4 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 7 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 ounces of tomato paste
- 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Pasta:
- 12 lasagna sheets
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 15 ounces fresh ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
For Assembly:
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with the back of a spoon for 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and onion, cooking for 5 more minutes. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25 minutes until thickened.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, layer the meat sauce, pasta sheets, cheese sauce, and fresh mozzarella, ending with meat sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for added color.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a side of salad or steamed veggies.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs or spices.
- If making ahead, assemble, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
This lasagna is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Its layers of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that’s satisfying and scrumptious. Enjoy it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Happy cooking from the Ineskohl Kitchen!
For more recipes like this, visit my blog at Ineskohl Kitchen.
