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Homemade Lasagna

This rich and cheesy homemade lasagna is easy to make and perfect for family meals. It can be prepared ahead of time and freezes well, making it a hearty comfort dish for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich flavor.
  • 1 lb Italian sausage Use mild or spicy according to preference.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Basil, dried leaves Adds a flavor boost to the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 large Onion Chopped.
  • 28 oz Tomatoes Canned or fresh, diced.
  • 6 oz Tomato paste Concentrated tomato flavor.
  • 15 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds Crushed; enhances the sausage flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Granulated sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil For browning meat.
  • 1/2 cup Water To adjust sauce consistency.
Cheese and Pasta Ingredients
  • 1 lb Mozzarella cheese Shredded.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 16 oz Ricotta cheese
  • 12 pieces Lasagna noodles Cooked according to package instructions.
  • 1 large Egg Used to bind the cheese mixture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, cooking until browned.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  5. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt.
Layering
  1. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of sauce at the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella, and then a layer of sauce.
  2. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This lasagna freezes well and can be made ahead, making it a great option for meals. Let the lasagna rest after baking to keep slices neat. Use room-temperature ricotta for easy spreading. You can also add cooked spinach or sliced mushrooms for more vegetables, or swap part of the mozzarella for provolone for a different flavor.