Homemade Italian Style Lasagna Recipe
Here's a delicious and hearty Italian-style lasagna recipe with homemade sauce, sausages, tiny meatballs inside the lasagna, and larger meatballs cooked separately and added to the sauce for extra flavor. We'll also incorporate plenty of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese for that classic lasagna taste.
Italian-Style Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to reduce acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional Ingredients:
- 8 lasagna noodles (use gluten-free noodles if desired)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, then roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Arrange half of the cooked tiny meatballs over the cheese layer.
- Spoon half of the sauce over the meatballs, spreading evenly.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, tiny meatballs, and sauce.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Italian-style lasagna with homemade sauce, sausages, meatballs, and plenty of cheese! It's perfect for sharing with family and friends.
