🍝 Classic Meat Lasagna

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• 1–2 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Ricotta Layer

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

• Pinch of salt & pepper

Other Layers

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella

• Extra Parmesan for topping

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the meat sauce

1. In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef & sausage until browned.

2. Add onion and cook until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.

5. Simmer 20–30 minutes (longer = richer flavor).

2. Cook the noodles (if not oven-ready)

• Boil lasagna noodles until just al dente.

• Drain and lay flat on parchment or lightly oil to prevent sticking.

3. Mix ricotta layer

In a bowl, combine:

• ricotta

• egg

• Parmesan

• parsley

• salt & pepper

Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the lasagna

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Spread 1 cup meat sauce on bottom.

2. Add layer of noodles.

3. Spread ⅓ ricotta mixture.

4. Add ⅓ mozzarella.

5. Add meat sauce.

6. Repeat 2 more times.

Finish with:

• meat sauce

• mozzarella

• sprinkle of Parmesan

5. Bake

• Cover with foil (tent so cheese doesn’t stick).

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Rest Before Cutting

Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes so it slices cleanly.

⭐ Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Use both beef + sausage for full flavor.

• Simmer sauce longer if you have the time.

• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth.

• Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier layers.

• Let it rest — it’s important!

🍽️ Need Variations?

I can also give you:

• Creamy white chicken lasagna

• Vegetable lasagna

• Spinach & ricotta lasagna

• Lasagna roll-ups

Which one next?