Classic Meat Lasagna
ELISA
This classic meat lasagna combines layers of rich, slow-simmered beef and Italian sausage sauce with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. The perfect balance of flavors and textures creates a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. Unlike other recipes for lasagna, this version achieves depth through a well-seasoned tomato sauce, a perfect cheese blend, and precise layering. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is baked to golden perfection, making every bite irresistible.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 9 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italienne
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 20 minutes to develop deep flavors.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat layers until the dish is full.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
- For a richer, deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for a more authentic taste.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.