“Classic Layered Lasagna 

“Classic Layered Lasagna

Ingredients:

• For the meat sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the cheese layer:
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Additional ingredients:
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked or oven-ready
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook the Meats: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add red wine if using. Season with sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

4. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Assembling the Lasagna:

5. Layering: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
6. Final Touch: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.

Baking:

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Cooling: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Serving:

9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Conclusion:

This lasagna recipe offers a classic taste with layers of rich and hearty sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a fulfilling dish that’s sure to satisfy any cravings for a warm, delicious meal, ideal for an everyday family dinner or special occasions. Enjoy your meal preparation and the delightful results!