Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna is a comforting, classic dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy to your table. Layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add marinara sauce to the meat mixture and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Step 5: In a baking dish, layer the ingredients starting with a thin layer of marinara sauce, then noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and some chopped basil. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving for best results.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Use no-boil noodles to save time, but if using regular noodles, cook them according to package instructions before layering.
• Adding fresh basil between layers enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish.
• Mix a little Italian seasoning into the ricotta mixture for added aroma.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Do I need to cook the noodles before assembling?

If you use no-boil noodles, no pre-cooking is necessary. For regular noodles, boil them according to package instructions before layering to ensure they cook fully in the oven.

Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna is a classic, hearty Italian dish featuring layers of flavorful marinara sauce, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese blended with egg and Parmesan, and melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. This comforting main course makes a perfect family dinner or special occasion meal, delivering rich, authentic flavors in every slice.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sauce

• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided, half for cheese mixture, half for topping)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
2. Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and ensure even cooking.
3. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce with the cooked meat, reduce heat to low, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to deepen flavors.
4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer Lasagna: In a baking dish, start layering by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom, then layer noodles, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the noodles and meld the flavors.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Use no-boil noodles for quicker preparation and easier layering.
• If using regular noodles, cook them according to package instructions before layering.
• Adjust the spiciness of the sausage according to your preference.
• Fresh basil adds brightness; feel free to substitute or add Italian seasoning.
• Letting the lasagna rest post-baking helps with cleaner slicing and better flavor melding.

Keywords: Italian lasagna, baked lasagna, ground beef lasagna, Italian sausage recipe, classic lasagna, layered pasta dish, comfort food, family dinner