Description
Hearty lasagna casserole delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, layering rich marinara, tender pasta, and melted cheese into a soul-warming meal. Hungry guests will devour this classic dish that promises pure culinary satisfaction with each delicious, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 24 fluid ounces (710 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 15 fluid ounces (443 milliliters) crushed tomatoes
Cheese and Pasta Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 12 fluid ounces (340 grams) wide egg noodles
- Fresh basil
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F. Cook pasta sheets until tender, then carefully drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, brown the meat with diced onions over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
- Create the cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, and chopped parsley in a separate mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the prepared meat sauce, ensuring even coating. Begin layering the casserole by spreading half the pasta-sauce mixture into a baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the first layer of pasta. Top with remaining pasta-sauce combination, creating a complete coverage.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface for a golden, crispy topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the rich, comforting texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting and serving easier, preventing the layers from falling apart.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to add depth and nutritional value to the dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 487 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 605 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg