Lasagne To Die For!!!!
A hearty and cheesy lasagna layered with seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this classic Italian dish offers bold flavors and comforting textures that satisfy any crowd craving a flavorful, baked pasta experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. crushed, dried basil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 10 oz. lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 3 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and hamburger in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and combine with the ricotta cheese, grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
- Layer the cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and grated mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as needed, ending with a layer of mozzarella on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of meats, such as adding ground pork or turkey to the hamburger and sausage. Fresh basil can replace dried for a more vibrant taste. If you're short on time, use oven-ready lasagne noodles to skip the boiling step. To make it lighter, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian vinaigrette pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish's flavors. For a twist, consider serving with Asparagus Lasagne Bianco for a delightful contrast. A glass of red wine can elevate the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne To Die For!!!! contains roughly 917 calories, with 55g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% 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 prepare lasagne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps it cook evenly.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese is a great substitute. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, try using tofu blended with nutritional yeast for added flavor.
How can I make my lasagne less watery?
To prevent watery lasagne, ensure that you drain the tomatoes well and consider using less water in the sauce. Additionally, letting the assembled lasagne rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing can help it hold its shape and reduce excess moisture.
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).