I was making this tonight to take over to my son for supper and thought I would share. I will make him a salad and he will have a great meal. Classic Italian Lasagna is a staple in my house.

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, layered with rich flavors and an abundance of cheese. This classic Italian dish brings together pasta, hearty meat sauce, in a way that’s sure to warm your heart. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will transport you straight to Italy with every bite.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake this lasagna; it’s the kind of dish that makes your mouth water and your family gather around the table. Each slice is a delightful combination of tender pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese, making it a meal everyone loves.

This lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily make it your own by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese to suit your preferences.( I actually shred carrots and put in mine because my husband will not eat them otherwise) Whether you’re serving meat lovers or vegetarians, this dish can be adapted to please all.

Traditional Lasagna with Meat and Cheese

This lasagna features layers of smooth pasta sheets, a robust meat sauce made with ground beef and tomatoes, and a rich béchamel sauce that adds creaminess. Topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, the finished dish is baked until bubbling and golden brown, creating a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles ( I am gluten free so I sub gluten free noodles!)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian Sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper ( I like to use all different colors)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Jar Marinara
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tsp Parsley
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1/2 tsp Thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese ( usually use 1 small container)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. ( I just layer my noodles right in pan, but some like to cook first)
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, Italian Sausage cooking until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce, and other spices. Simmer for 1 hour on low
4. Mix the Ricotta: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth.
5. Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake: For 25 minutes., making sure it is not getting too browned. Cove and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. This gets all that great sauce melding into the noodles.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

So where did lasagna originate? The Italian Garden Knows They are in San Marcus,Texas. Drop in if you are over that way!

Did you know you can make this in a Cast Iron Pan or Casserole? You Can!