Classic Lasagna

Make this classic lasagna recipe zestier by using hot Italian sausage or a little milder with regular Italian sausage. Don’t be scared off by the long cooking time. The wait is well worth it. It’s a great dish to make for a crowd and easy to adjust for varying tastes. The leftovers are even better when reheated the next day.

Step: 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step: 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and olive oil; cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.

Step: 3

Cook the ground beef and sausage in a large pot over medium heat; drain. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic salt, oregano, thyme, basil, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper; simmer 30 minutes.

Step: 4

Meanwhile, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Step: 5

Ladle enough of the meat sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish to cover the bottom in a thin layer. Form a layer atop the sauce with 3 of the lasagna noodles. Spread about 1/4 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture and then ladle about 1/3 of the meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering twice more, topping with the remaining 1/4 pound of mozzarella cheese.

Step: 6

Bake in preheated oven 90 minutes. Allow to sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Per Serving: 647 calories; protein 38.8g; carbohydrates 31.2g; fat 41.4g; cholesterol 173.5mg; sodium 2027.4mg.