Cozy Homemade Lasagna
A hearty and comforting lasagna layered with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Noodle and Cheese Base
- 12 pieces Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular) Choose based on preference for texture.
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- 16 ounces Mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded for gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese To sprinkle on top when serving.
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound Ground beef Can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 pound Italian sausage Adds savories heartiness.
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce Choose a quality sauce with chunky tomatoes.
Seasoning and Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use flavored oil for extra heat if desired.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture.
- 1 cup Fresh basil Tear fresh before layering.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and basil.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assembly and Baking
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used.
- Finish with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden.
Serving
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Perfect for leftovers! Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.