Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well.
   • Add the sugar, basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
   • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix until well blended.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
   • Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce over the mozzarella.
   • Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
   • Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Enjoy your delicious, classic lasagna! If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.