Lasagna Italian Style
Rich and hearty Italian lasagna featuring seasoned sausage, beef, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 lb. 3 oz.) can Italian style tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 12 curly lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon more salt
- 1/2 tsp. more salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove sausage meat from outer casing and chop the meat.
- In a large Dutch oven, over medium heat, sauté sausage and ground beef, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon.
- Add onion and garlic, stirring frequently, until well browned, about 20 minutes.
- Add sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, dried basil, fennel seed, pepper, and half of the parsley; mix well.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/2 cup water, mashing tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while sautéing. If you want a lighter option, swap half of the sausage with turkey sausage. Fresh basil can replace dried basil for a more vibrant taste. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of curly ones, which simplifies the assembly process and enhances the ease of preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian meal. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors perfectly. For an added touch, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top before serving. This dish is perfect for gatherings, allowing you to indulge in hearty Italian recipes that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Italian Style contains roughly 1138 calories, with 43g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1110mg per serving (48% 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 vegetable substitutes in this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian lasagna. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetables may cook faster than meat.
How can I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, make sure to drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes before adding them. Additionally, allowing the assembled lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing can help the layers set and reduce moisture.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well! Assemble it fully, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).