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Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This classic lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It combines a flavorful ground beef tomato sauce with tender lasagna noodles and a blend of cheeses, making it a hearty and satisfying Italian-American comfort dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb meatloaf mixture (ground beef and pork blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion (chopped, about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces tomato puree
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons basil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves

Lasagna and Cheese Mixture

  • 1 box lasagna noodles (about 12–16 noodles)
  • 1 large egg
  • 30 ounces low fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided, 3/4 cup for ricotta mixture, 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 4–5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the ground meat mixture and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in tomato puree, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt, oregano, black pepper, and bay leaves until well combined. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on sheets of wax paper sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C).
  5. Assemble Lasagna: Generously spray a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Remove bay leaves from the meat sauce. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles evenly. Cover with about 2 cups of meat sauce, spreading into the edges and corners. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Repeat layers twice more: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella. For the final layer, place noodles over the last ricotta and mozzarella layer, cover with remaining sauce, then sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Place the baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills or overflow during baking.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and heated through. If the cheese begins to brown too much, lightly cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of baking time.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set for easier serving.

Notes

  • The meatloaf mixture is typically a blend of ground beef and pork, but you can use just ground beef if preferred.
  • Using low fat ricotta cheese reduces the overall fat content without compromising creaminess.
  • Simmering the sauce for at least 45 minutes develops deeper flavor.
  • Prevent noodles from sticking by laying them flat on wax paper sprayed with cooking spray after boiling.
  • Layering the lasagna carefully ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
  • Using a foil-lined baking sheet underneath captures any bubbling sauce that might spill.
  • Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it hold its shape when cut.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/classic-meat-lasagna-with-ricotta-and-mozzarella-recipe/