Homemade Lasagna

The Best Lasagna recipe that’s rich, satisfying, comforting, flavorful, perfectly proportioned and will end your search for the best homemade meat lasagna recipe! It’s loaded with three layers of pasta, homemade Bolognese, creamy ricotta (with a secret trick), nutty Parmesan and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each and every bite is hot, meaty, cheesy, saucy perfection. I’ve also instructions on how to make lasagna ahead of time as well as how to freeze lasagna.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 carrot (diced)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6-8 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley (or 1/4 cup fresh)
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
• 1 tablespoon sugar (more or less to taste)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried thyme, salt, pepper
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 3 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound shredded mozzarella ((4 cups))
• 15 classic lasagna noodles ((NOT no-boil))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a long pan. Pour hot tap water over the noodles until they are submerged. Let them soak while you prep the lasagna – at least 30 minutes. Agitate the noodles with your hands occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
2. 2In a Dutch oven or large pot, brown ground beef, sausage, onion, carrots and celery over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 more seconds. Drain grease.
3. 3Add all remaining Bolognese ingredients, cover, and bring to a boil. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until Bolognese is reduced but still saucy.
4. 4While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add all of the Cheese Filling ingredients to a large bowl and mix until combined.
5. 5To assemble, lightly grease a deep 9x13 pan. Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan (layer will be thin). Place 4 noodles lengthwise and part of a 5th noodle on top to cover. Spread with a third of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese followed by 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers (meat, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan) 2 more times for a total of 3 complete layers. To finish, top with remaining meat sauce, remaining mozzarella (1 cup) and remaining Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup). (Pan will be very full.) Tent lasagna with foil and secure tightly all around the edges.
6. 6Place lasagna pan on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.