A Meat Lasagna Recipe That Will Make You Say "Mamma Mia!"
Lasagna. Just the word itself conjures up images of warm, cheesy comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe focuses on a classic meat lasagna, emphasizing rich flavors and simple techniques to achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your crowd.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-boil preferred for convenience)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Lasagna Masterclass
Follow these steps carefully for a truly exceptional meat lasagna:
1. Crafting the Perfect Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally.
2. Preparing the Creamy Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Assembling Your Lasagna Masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with the remaining lasagna noodles, topped with the remaining meat sauce and the final cup of mozzarella cheese.
4. Baking to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve without it falling apart.
Tips for Lasagna Success:
- No-boil noodles are a time saver! They cook perfectly in the oven.
- Don't overfill your lasagna. Too much filling can prevent it from cooking evenly.
- A little extra Parmesan cheese never hurts! It adds a lovely salty, sharp flavor.
- Get creative with your meat! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef.
- Make it ahead! Lasagna tastes even better the next day!
Enjoy your delicious homemade meat lasagna! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your masterpieces! #MeatLasagna #LasagnaRecipe #ItalianFood #ComfortFood #Homemade
