Traditional Italian Lasagna
A beautiful traditional Italian Lasagna
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- 10 ounces spicy Italian sausage
- 10 ounces lean ground beef
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 25 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon powdered garlic
- zest of one large lemon
- 15 ounces full fat ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, (packed in water) cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 6 basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in center position
- Place a large pot of salted water to boil, when water is at a rolling boil, add lasagna noodles and cook to package instructions. While waiting for water to boil:
- Place a large pan on cooktop on high heat. Add olive oil, when oil is hot add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently for five minutes turning down heat when necessary
- Add sausage and beef to pan, cook until cooked through (8-10 minutes) using a spatula to break apart. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Add pasta sauce, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, turn down to a low simmer
- While meat simmers, zest lemon and add zest to the ricotta cheese, stir well
- When pasta noodles are al dente, strain in colander, rinse under cold water (we are making four layers so you need 12 noodles. Always cook more than you need because 2-3 usually break)
- Place three lasagna noodles flat in a ceramic baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce (approx 1 1/4 cup) onto noodles, then add 1/3 of the ricotta by spoonfuls and 1/ 3 of mozzarella onto meat sauce (It doesn't have to be perfect, estimate the best you can). Add another layer of noodles then pasta sauce (again 1 1/4 cup) then the cheeses and repeat one more time. Add the fourth layer of noodles, top with remaining meat sauce and then sprinkle with the freshly grated parmesan.
- Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for five minutes. Garnish with basil if desired and serve.