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Italian Christmas Lasagna

A heartwarming Italian dish featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef The base of our sauce, packed with rich flavor.
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) Adds an extra layer of hearty goodness.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped For a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with robust flavor.
  • 56 ounces crushed tomatoes The key to a saucy, comforting lasagna.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Intensifies the tomato flavor beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil A classic herb that complements the sauce perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds a traditional Italian twist.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese Creamy and rich, making the filling luscious.
  • 1 large egg Binds the cheese mixture together.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a salty note and extra flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped A burst of freshness.
For the Lasagna
  • 1 package lasagna noodles (16 ounces) The heart of this layered dish.
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping and added indulgence.

Method
 

Cook the Meats and Vegetables
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meats are browned and the onions softened. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking.
Mix the Cheese Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  2. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, then add a layer of the ricotta mixture followed by more meat sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  3. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top.
Bake
  1. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest Before Serving
  1. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Consider mixing different cheeses in the layers for a unique twist or adding sautéed vegetables for a healthier variation. You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.