A Very Special Lasagna

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "A Very Special Lasagna," a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that layers rich flavors and irresistible textures. This recipe combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a robust homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano. Creamy ricotta mixed with Parmesan and a bubbling blanket of mozzarella cheese take this lasagna to the next level, while tender pasta sheets perfectly hold it all together. Baked to golden, cheesy perfection, this lasagna is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in. With easy-to-follow instructions, you'll create a dish that's not only satisfying but also packed with Italian-inspired flavors. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an elegant final touch! Perfect for meal prep and delicious as leftovers, this lasagna promises to be the highlight of your dining table.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 sheets lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture by combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Cook and drain the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, if not using oven-ready noodles.

Step 8

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

Lay down 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a layer of shredded mozzarella, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this process for three total layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is not touching the cheese on top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 12

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy your Very Special Lasagna!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3657.2 grams (3657.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5354

Total Fat 308.00g	395%
Saturated Fat 150.60g	753%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 1287mg	429%
Sodium 10931mg	475%
Total Carbohydrate 334.10g	121%
Dietary Fiber 37.00g	132%
Total Sugars 66.30g
Protein 344.60g	689%

Vitamin D 41IU	205%
Calcium 6117mg	471%
Iron 32mg	177%
Potassium 7198mg	153%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 25.1%

Carbs: 24.4%