INGREDIENTS:
For the meat sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) ground Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
For the cheese mixture:
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembling:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
HOW TO MAKE:
Preparing the meat sauce:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cook for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
4. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preparing the cheese mixture:
1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assembling the lasagna:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
4. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
5. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
6. Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
7. Repeat layers twice, ending with meat sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Baking:
1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna with love of the recipe station !