Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
  4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain well. Be careful to not overcook them; they should still have a slight bite.
  5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
  6. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  7. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  9. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  10. Repeat layers 6-9.
  11. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
  13. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape.