Here’s a recipe that’s straightforward but seriously delicious:
🍝 Ultimate Classic Homemade Lasagna
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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½ cup water
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2 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
For the Cheese Mixture:
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15 oz ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
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9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
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Olive oil (for greasing)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
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In a large pot or deep skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
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Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
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Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Noodles (if not no-boil):
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Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment or drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
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In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
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Layer 3–4 noodles over sauce.
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Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
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Sprinkle with 1/3 of mozzarella and some Parmesan.
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Add 1/3 of the meat sauce on top.
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Repeat layering 2 more times (noodles, ricotta, cheeses, meat sauce).
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Finish with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Bake:
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Cover with foil (to prevent cheese from burning).
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Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to set.
🍽️ Tips:
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Add fresh basil or spinach to the cheese layer for extra freshness.
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Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture.
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Make ahead: assemble the day before and refrigerate; bake when ready.
Want a recipe for homemade béchamel sauce or a vegetarian lasagna next?
