My Best Lasagna
My Best Lasagna features a rich, savory meat sauce with aromatic herbs, layered with creamy Ricotta and melted Mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers comforting flavors and hearty textures that satisfy all ages and preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Contadina tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Contadina whole tomatoes, chopped with juice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can Contadina tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed thyme ⓘ
- 2 tsp. crushed basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 (15 oz.) carton part-skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, well beaten ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: heat olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and sausage; brown the meat and drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine while the meat is browning. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. If you have leftovers, try layering them into a Lazy Boy Lasagna for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and garlic bread on the side. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Italian minestrone. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Best Lasagna contains roughly 450 calories, with 21g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Once assembled, cover the lasagna tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You can also bake it directly from frozen; just increase the baking time by about 30-40 minutes.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Ricotta, consider using cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. Both options will provide a creamy texture and complement the flavors in the lasagna beautifully.
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).