A flavorful twist on the classic lasagna, featuring a rich and savory meat sauce layered with creamy cheeses.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your lasagna.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
Break up the meat into chunks for a hearty texture.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Garlic releases its flavor quickly, so avoid overcooking.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Avoid overcooking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the parmesan cheese.
Mixing the cheeses ensures an even distribution in the layers.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Ensure the top layer is fully covered with sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.