Easy Lasagna Recipe – Definitive Guide

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that combines layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce to create a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This easy lasagna recipe, inspired by John Kanell from “Preppy Kitchen,” simplifies the process while ensuring rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• ¾ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• ¾ pound ground beef
• 7 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

For Assembly:

• Lasagna noodles (about 12 sheets)
• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef together for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until evenly cooked.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes until thickened.
5. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
6. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
7. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread about 2 cups of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Layer noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Add another layer of meat sauce.
   • Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce on top.
   • Place sliced mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra color, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes if desired.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

• This lasagna can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
• Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or different herbs based on your preference.

This easy lasagna recipe promises a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy any pasta lover!