Description
This Classic Lasagna recipe from Pioneer Woman combines rich layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this hearty Italian-American comfort food delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 2 cans tomato paste (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Other
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- Fresh parsley, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to start warming up while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Brown Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat in the skillet. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer Noodles and Fillings: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce.
- Assemble First Layers: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Spoon a third of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top.
- Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with a final layer of noodles and the last of the meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna, ensuring good coverage for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, cook and slightly undercook lasagna noodles so they finish cooking in the sauce and cheese mixture during baking.
- Let the lasagna rest before serving to allow it to set, which makes slicing cleaner and easier.
- You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture a day ahead for convenience.
- Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh taste but is optional.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: lasagna, Italian recipe, classic lasagna, Pioneer Woman, baked pasta, comfort food
