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Cozy Classic Lasagna Recipe Easy Homemade Meat Sauce and 3 Cheeses

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A comforting classic lasagna featuring a rich homemade meat sauce and a blend of three cheeses for a creamy, satisfying texture. Perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley or basil (optional)
  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, as needed for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and lay flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or clean towel.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley or basil if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over noodles, then sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella on top. Spoon another cup of meat sauce over the cheese.
  9. Repeat layering two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
  10. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
  11. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil (tent slightly to avoid cheese sticking). Bake for 25 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  13. Let lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Simmer the meat sauce low and slow for deeper flavor. Cook noodles al dente to avoid mushiness. Blend ricotta with cottage cheese for creaminess. Let lasagna rest before slicing to set layers. Use quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for best taste. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, classic lasagna, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, comfort food, easy lasagna, homemade lasagna

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cozy-classic-lasagna-recipe-easy-homemade-meat-sauce-and-3-cheeses/