Classic Homemade Lasagna

Introduction:
Lasagna is a timeless comfort food loved by many. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta sheets, and gooey melted cheese make this dish an irresistible family favorite. Whether for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this lasagna recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for meals throughout the week.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (24 oz) jars of marinara sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

Other Ingredients:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella for topping

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process 2 more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!