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Easy Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

This Easy Lasagna Recipe combines ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and a rich blend of cheeses layered between tender, uncooked lasagna noodles and a hearty spaghetti sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this classic Italian-American comfort dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite sauce)

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 4 tablespoons freshly snipped)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Other

  • 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • ¼ cup water (optional, depending on sauce consistency)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage together until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and your preferred spaghetti sauce to the skillet and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  3. Mix Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 2 eggs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
  4. Assemble First Layer: Spread about ¾ cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce to cover the base.
  5. Layer Cheese and Sauce: Spoon and spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-quarter of the remaining sauce. Repeat layering noodles, cheese, and sauce once more.
  6. Top Layer: Add the final 3 noodles on top, cover with the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. If your sauce is thick, add ½ cup water around the edges of the pan to prevent drying; omit or reduce water for thinner sauces.
  7. Cover and Bake: Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray (sprayed side down) to prevent cheese sticking. Cover the baking dish tightly and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
  8. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • Using uncooked noodles saves time but ensure there is enough sauce and moisture to cook them properly.
  • Adjust water quantity based on your sauce consistency to avoid dryness.
  • For added flavor, fresh herbs can be substituted for dried parsley.
  • Lasagna can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; add an extra 10 minutes to baking time if baked cold.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well and often taste better the next day.

Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, meat sauce, cheesy lasagna, family dinner

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/easy-lasagna-recipe/