Description
This is the ultimate lasagna recipe with creamy ricotta, a rich meat sauce, and tender noodles. Follow this guide for a perfect, crowd-pleasing dish every time.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 15–18 lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional, cooked al dente)
- 32 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 4 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for best flavor. Remove bay leaf before using.
- Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with about 1.5 cups of meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and generously top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 5: Rest Before Serving. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set properly for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins