Homemade Lasagna

1. Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will deepen as it cooks.

2. Preparing the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, and salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.

3. Preparing the Lasagna Noodles

• If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

4. Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer 1 – Sauce: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 2 – Noodles: Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
4. Layer 3 – Cheese Mixture: Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. Layer 4 – Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) two more times.
7. Final Layer: Finish with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Rest the Lasagna: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

• Portion and Serve: Slice the lasagna into squares and serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
• Optional Toppings: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Make It Ahead: Lasagna tastes even better the next day. Assemble it in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready to serve.
2. Freeze for Later: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Customize the Layers: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
4. Cheese Variations: Mix shredded mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.

Why This Recipe Works

This Homemade Lasagna delivers on all fronts: a deeply flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, this recipe ensures success for cooks of all skill levels.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. There’s nothing quite like homemade lasagna—let this recipe be your go-to for creating unforgettable meals!