The Best Ever Beef Lasagna

Name: The Best Ever Beef Lasagna
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 8 serving
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion; 4 garlic; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1/2 cup basil; 2 whole tomatoes; 2 tomato paste; 24 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons parsley; 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1 lb mozzarella cheese; 12 -16 lasagna noodles

User Reviews

5

34 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings
8

The Best Ever Beef Lasagna

Eric Kelley

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The Best Ever Beef Lasagna layers a rich meat sauce of ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs with a creamy cheese mixture and mozzarella between tender lasagna noodles. Simmering the sauce develops deep flavor, while the layered cheeses provide creamy and melty textures. Baking yields a hearty, comforting dish with balanced meatiness and herbaceous brightness.

Description

This lasagna starts with a meat sauce made by browning ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic, then simmering with tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, parsley flakes, and fresh basil for an hour to deepen flavors. Meanwhile, lasagna noodles are softened either by soaking in hot water or boiling according to package directions.

The cheese mixture combines ricotta or cottage cheese with beaten egg, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan, adding moisture, creaminess, and slight structure. Assembling the dish involves layering sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella slices in a sprayed baking pan.

Baking at 375°F produces a melded combination of flavors and a bubbly mozzarella top. The dish is substantial and satisfying, suitable for a family meal or gathering.

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Ingredients

Servings

1 1/2 lbs ground beef lean
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 onion chopped, large
4 garlic minced, cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon oregano dried
1/2 cup basil fresh, chopped
2 whole tomatoes undrained and chopped
2 tomato paste
24 ounces ricotta cheese or 24 ounces cottage cheese
1 egg beaten
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
1 lb mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
12 -16 lasagna noodles

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Instructions

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To make the meat sauce: In a large pot or dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic and salt on medium/high heat until browned. Add the parsley flakes, dried oregano, 2 cans tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh basil. Simmer 1 hour.
To prepare noodles: While the sauce is simmer go ahead and prepare the noodles. If you are making this lasagna ahead of time soak the noodles in hot water for about 30 minutes or until soft. If you are making the lasagna instantly, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.Hey Rob, I forgot to include the temp! Thanks for pointing that out. I've updated the recipe. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
To assemble: Spray a 13 x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. Combine ricotta cheese, eggs, pepper, 2 tablespoons parsley, and Parmesan cheese. In a lasagna pan, place a tablespoon of sauce on the bottom of the pan then layer noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella slices (or shredded mozzarella); repeat. Top off with layer of noodles; sprinkle evenly with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes covered with foil. After 25 minutes remove foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes or until cheese mixture is thoroughly melted.. Cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.