Description
A rich and creamy lasagna featuring a hearty meat sauce and layers of cheese, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 250 g (½ lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup provolone or fontina cheese (optional for extra richness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground beef, and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer over low heat for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Make the Creamy Ricotta Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream (or cream cheese), the large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom, then add three lasagna noodles. Spread half of the creamy ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with noodles topped with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Brush the top with melted butter.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For added flavors, let the meat sauce simmer longer. Customize by adding sautéed vegetables or switching up the cheeses.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lasagna, Italian, comfort food, family recipe, creamy, cheesy