Description
Irresistible layers of hearty lasagna promise comfort and flavor in every delectable bite. Melted cheese, rich marinara, and perfectly seasoned meat create a classic Italian-inspired masterpiece that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
Tomato Base Ingredients:
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for ricotta)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (for ricotta)
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Craft a robust bolognese foundation by gently caramelizing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in fragrant olive oil, then introduce ground beef and pork, stirring until meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Enhance the meat mixture with crushed tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, a whisper of sugar, and a harmonious blend of aromatic seasonings, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Prepare a creamy ricotta mixture by whisking together smooth ricotta cheese, a fresh egg, dried basil, and a subtle touch of salt until the texture becomes velvety and well-integrated.
- Select a spacious baking dish and initiate the layering process, creating a strategic foundation with uncooked lasagna noodles as the first structural element.
- Generously spread the robust bolognese sauce across the noodles, ensuring complete and even coverage to infuse maximum flavor.
- Dollop the prepared ricotta mixture over the sauce, creating a delicate, creamy layer that will meld during baking.
- Sprinkle a luxurious combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, providing a golden, bubbling top layer that promises irresistible texture.
- Repeat the layering sequence, building height and complexity with each carefully constructed stratum.
- Protect the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven until the edges become beautifully crisp and the cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for several minutes after baking, enabling the layers to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Select high-quality ground meat for a rich, flavorful bolognese sauce that transforms the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Allow the sauce to simmer slowly, developing deeper flavors and creating a more complex meat base.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to elevate the traditional ricotta filling and add unexpected complexity.
- Consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and reduce overall cooking time without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg