Best Lasagna Ever Meat Sauce

Name: Best Lasagna Ever Meat Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste; 2 tablespoons tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; Extra mozzarella cheese for topping

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-24T05:19:27.543Z

This lasagna recipe has been passed down through generations and is a family favorite. The rich meat sauce combined with creamy cheese layers makes it a perfect comfort dish.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying with layers of flavor
Rich and savory meat sauce that’s easy to make
Creamy cheese blend that pulls apart beautifully

      

A Hearty Classic

Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. The combination of layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles creates a satisfying meal that can please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe elevates the traditional lasagna with a hearty meat sauce that boasts deep flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

The secret to a great lasagna lies in the quality of its ingredients. Using fresh herbs, high-quality meats, and a blend of cheeses makes all the difference. This meat sauce is easy to prepare yet offers a complexity of flavor that rivals any restaurant version. Your family will be asking for seconds!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting friends, or celebrating a special occasion, this lasagna is an excellent choice. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Just pop it in the oven before your guests arrive, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready to serve.

This lasagna is not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile. You can customize the meat sauce by adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a healthier twist. Each variation will still yield a fantastic dish that showcases the comfort of classic Italian cuisine.

Serving Suggestions

To accompany your lasagna, consider serving a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Crusty garlic bread is another great side that allows you to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate. This combination makes for a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress.

For a perfect finishing touch, consider serving a light dessert, such as a lemon sorbet or a slice of cheesecake, to cleanse the palate after this hearty meal. This way, you’ll leave your guests feeling satisfied but not overly full.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Extra mozzarella cheese for topping

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of noodles, and a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

To achieve the best results, ensure your lasagna noodles are al dente before layering. They will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing moisture from the sauce. Using a combination of cheeses enhances flavor; ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella gives stretch, and Parmesan adds a nutty finish.

Letting your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking is crucial. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier slicing. You’ll achieve cleaner cuts and a more appealing presentation when serving.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers are a delightful treat! To store, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles?

Yes, whole wheat noodles can be a healthier option and will work just as well.

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a vegan alternative if you prefer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.