Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish . Lasagna’s popularity transcended Italian borders, and it gained widespread acclaim internationally. While the core ingredients and layering technique have remained relatively consistent over the years, there are countless variations and regional adaptations of lasagna, with some including seafood, vegetables, or even vegan and gluten-free options. It continues to evolve and adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences while remaining a symbol of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (6.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Layering:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. • In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
   • Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the meat is browned.
   • Drain any excess fat from the pan.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, salt, and black pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chopped parsley, and then remove it from heat.

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

1. • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix well.
   • Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

1. Assemble the Lasagna:

1. • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking.
   • Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
   • Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Add a layer of meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining cheese mixture, meat sauce, and cheese.
   • Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

1. Bake the Lasagna:

1. • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbling, and the cheese is golden brown.

1. Let it Rest:

1. • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into neat slices.

1. Serve:

1. • Cut into squares and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade lasagna!

This classic lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.