Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort Food: Homemade Lasagna

There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling hot lasagna fresh out of the oven. This classic Italian dish is a labor of love, but oh-so-worth-it when you take that first heavenly bite. Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 pound of savory Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) of tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of fragrant Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil leaves
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces of creamy ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until tender. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, and basil. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the sauce over low heat.
2. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg until well mixed.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Assemble the lasagna layers in the prepared baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
7. Allow the lasagna to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this homemade lasagna with your loved ones, and savor every delicious bite!