Description
This BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe features savory ground Italian pork sausage simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses along with tender lasagna noodles, then baked to bubbly perfection. A classic Italian-American comfort dish perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Additional Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles, 3 cups cooked noodles (approximately 9-12 noodles based on typical packaging)
- Mozzarella cheese, approximately 2 cups shredded (estimated based on layering instructions)
- Additional 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian pork sausage along with the sliced onion and minced garlic. Once the meat is browned and the onions are soft, stir in dried parsley, dried basil, sugar, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Mix well until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles carefully and spread them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking while preparing to assemble the lasagna.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by 2/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup of meat sauce, and 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes before cutting into portions. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving.
Notes
- Using Italian pork sausage adds rich flavor; you can substitute with ground beef or turkey if desired.
- For easier preparation, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing greatly improves the texture and presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
