lasagna recipe

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A hearty, comforting dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  • Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  1. Cook the Noodles:
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  1. Assemble the Lasagna:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  • Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles.
  • Add a layer of béchamel sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layering process (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, béchamel, mozzarella, Parmesan) until you have used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of béchamel and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  1. Bake:
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!

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