Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling pan of homemade lasagna coming fresh out of the oven.
“My Famous Lasagna” is a beloved family recipe that layers rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta,
tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese into one unforgettable dish. Perfect for family dinners, holidays,
or special occasions, this lasagna is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ tsp salt

For Layering:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• ¾ lb (340 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir in sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer on low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer 3 lasagna noodles.
   • Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
   • Add ¼ of the mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
   • Repeat layers twice more, finishing with remaining meat sauce and remaining cheeses on top.
5. Bake: Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing for clean, neat servings.

Description

This lasagna is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. The slow-simmered meat sauce infuses every layer with rich Italian flavor, while the ricotta mixture adds smoothness and depth. Once baked, the top develops a beautifully golden crust that’s irresistibly cheesy. It’s a dish that makes any meal feel like a celebration.

Tips

• Simmer meat sauce for up to an hour for deeper flavor.
• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling (add extra sauce).
• Add spinach or mushrooms for a tasty twist.
• Let lasagna rest before serving to help it hold together.
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.

Corrections

• If lasagna turns out watery: drain excess fat, avoid over-boiling noodles, and let it rest before cutting.
• If the top browns too fast: cover loosely with foil during baking.

Enjoy

Serve your Famous Lasagna with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Each bite brings comfort and warmth that will make everyone come back for seconds. Mangia bene — enjoy your masterpiece!