Simple Layered Lasagna
A straightforward and flavorful lasagna with a creamy ricotta filling and savory meat sauce, perfect for make-ahead or freezing.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4.5 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley
Cheese Filling
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 oz. | Ricotta cheese | ||
| 1 | Large egg | ||
| 2 cups | Mozzarella cheese | ||
| ¾ cup | Parmesan cheese | freshly grated | |
| 2 teaspoons | Italian seasoning | ||
| ½ teaspoon | Salt | ||
| ¼ teaspoon | Pepper |
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cheese filling ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. (Tips: Ensure the ricotta cheese is well mixed with the egg for a creamy texture.)
Meat Sauce
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | Olive oil | ||
| 1 | Yellow onion | finely diced | |
| ¾ lb. | Ground beef | ||
| ¾ lb. | Ground Italian sausage | ||
| 3 | Garlic cloves | minced | |
| ½ cup | Chicken broth | ||
| 40 oz. | Marinara sauce | ||
| 1 tablespoon | Tomato paste | ||
| 1 teaspoon | Hot sauce | ||
| 1 teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce |
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the onions. Let them soften for 10 minutes. (Tips: Softening the onions helps release their sugars, balancing the sauce's acidity.)
- Step 2: Add the ground beef and sausage and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until browned. (Tips: Break up the meat with a spatula for fine crumbles.)
- Step 3: Add garlic in the last minute of cooking. Drain excess fat.
- Step 4: Add chicken broth, deglaze the pot, then add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer. (Tips: Deglazing helps incorporate all the browned flavors.)
Lasagna Assembly
Tools and Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch casserole dish (Buy)
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Lasagna noodles | ||
| 2.5 cups | Mozzarella cheese | ||
| to taste | Fresh parsley | optional garnish |
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Step 2: Layer meat sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture, repeating for 3 layers. Top with mozzarella.
- Step 3: Cover with foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes. (Tips: Spraying the foil prevents cheese from sticking.)
- Step 4: Let rest for 15 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley if desired. (Tips: Resting helps the layers set for easier slicing.)
Additional Information
Notes: This lasagna is a versatile dish that can be prepared in advance and stored for future meals. Ensure to fully thaw if frozen before baking. The flavors meld beautifully with time.