Classic Homemade Italian Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
  • 3/4 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 ounce) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (6.5 ounce) canned tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once done, rinse with cold water and drain.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, cook and stir ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
  3. Season with sugar, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer, covered, for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and oregano.
  6. To assemble, spread 1.5 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil, but make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the sweet Italian sausage and ground beef with your favorite meat substitute, such as plant-based crumbles or tofu.
  • Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the ricotta cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Seafood Lasagna: Incorporate cooked shrimp, crab, or chunks of fish into the meat sauce for a delicious seafood twist.
  • White Sauce Lasagna: Substitute the traditional tomato-based sauce with a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
  • Vegetable Lasagna: Layer cooked vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant between the noodles for a hearty vegetarian option.
  • Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace them with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a gluten-free version.
  • Spicy Lasagna: Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the meat sauce.
  • Four Cheese Lasagna: Mix different types of cheese like fontina, provolone, and gouda in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich and cheesy lasagna.
  • Meat Lover's Lasagna: Add cooked bacon, ham, or pepperoni to the meat sauce for an extra meaty and flavorful lasagna.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a hearty, comforting dish with this traditional Lasagna recipe. This Italian favorite is a classic for a reason - it's full of flavor, satisfying, and great for feeding a hungry crowd. Using a combination of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef, this lasagna is packed with protein. The layers of noodles, meat, ricotta cheese, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make this dish incredibly rich and delicious. Expect a cooking time of around 2 hours for this recipe - a little patience will reward you with a lasagna that's perfectly cooked and flavored. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, and make sure to let it cool a bit before you dig in to allow the flavors to fully meld together. It's the perfect dish for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use a combination of different types of ground meat such as beef, pork, or turkey, according to your preference.
  2. Can I make the lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
  3. Can I freeze the lasagna? Yes, you can freeze the lasagna. After it has cooled completely, tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
  4. Can I substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese if you prefer. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before using.
  5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce? Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
  6. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles if you prefer. However, you may need to adjust the baking time and add a bit more sauce or water to ensure the noodles cook properly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A 9x13-inch baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking the lasagna.
  • Skillet or saucepan - A large skillet or saucepan is needed for cooking and browning the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic.
  • Mixing bowl - A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and oregano.
  • Foil - Foil is needed to cover the lasagna while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Large spoon or spatula - A large spoon or spatula is useful for spreading the meat sauce and cheese mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is required for cutting and serving the lasagna.
  • Serve ware - Plates or bowls are needed for serving individual portions of the lasagna.

Origin stories

Contrary to popular belief, lasagna didn't originate in Italy as one might think. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece. The name lasagna, or “lasagne” is derived from the Greek word 'Laganon'; the first known form of pasta. Laganon wasn't the traditional lasagna as we know it with layers of pasta, tomatoes, and cheese; rather, it was composed of dough sliced into strips. This dish then made its journey to Italy, where it evolved into the delightful lasagna, indulged by all, that we are familiar with today. The Italians were the ones who started baking it with layers filled with local spices, thus giving birth to the modern-day lasagna. It's a testament to how food evolves over time, crossing borders and becoming a beloved dish worldwide.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.