Beef And Sausage Lasagna
A hearty layered lasagna combining savory beef, Italian sausage, rich cheeses, and flavorful herbs, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz.) can Italian tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef and sausage with garlic and onion in olive oil in a skillet.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings, and 1 cup water; mix well.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 to 3 hours.
- Layer sauce, cooked noodles, Ricotta cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a large shallow baking dish, repeating until all ingredients are used.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you don't have Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which will absorb moisture from the sauce as it bakes. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, and it freezes well for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lasagna with a side salad, such as Mom'S Antipasta Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or Italian bread dressing also makes a great accompaniment. Consider pairing it with a light red wine, like Chianti, to complement the rich flavors of the dish. For a festive touch, top with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Sausage Lasagna contains roughly 917 calories, with 17g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1342mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage if you're looking for a leaner option. Additionally, you could use a mix of meats, such as ground pork or even diced ham, to change up the flavor profile and texture.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure to drain excess liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente. Finally, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set before slicing.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator. This makes it a great option for gatherings!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).