Legendary Meat Lasagna Recipe

This meat lasagna recipe has outstanding flavors and textures. Foodie friends say this is the best lasagna recipe they’ve tried.  When it comes to memorable home-cooked meals, this savory homemade lasagna is legendary!

ABOUT MEAT LASAGNA RECIPE

The magic begins with a luscious, flavorsome meat sauce that simmers on the stovetop for 2-1/2 hours. The rich, creamy  filling boasts a beautiful combination of Ricotta, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. This lasagna recipe has 3 layers of noodles, sauce and filling. This is truly a legendary meat lasagna!

LASAGNA RECIPE: INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCE

A hearty meat sauce is the foundation for this savory lasagna recipe! These are the ingredients you’ll need:

• Lean ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Celery
• Green bell pepper
• Cloves of garlic
• Italian parsley
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Organic apple cider vinegar or red wine
• Granulated sugar
• Sea salt
• Freshly-ground black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Spices

LASAGNA INGREDIENTS: RICOTTA CHEESE FILLING

These are the ingredients for a fabulous ricotta cheese filling:

• Ricotta cheese
• Large eggs
• Fresh Italian parsley
• Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Box of lasagna noodles (15-17 sheets of noodles)

HOW TO MAKE LASAGNA

Here’s how to make lasagna:

1. Add beef and sausage to a heavy pan with a lid.
2. Brown the meat over medium heat until there is no pink.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Drain off the fat.
4. Transfer the meat to a bowl.
5. Add olive oil to the pan.
6. Saute onions, celery, bell peppers and garlic until tender.
7. Transfer the meat back to the pan.
8. Mix the veggies and meat together.

HOMEMADE LASAGNA

1. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan: parsley, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, ground cloves and bay leaves.
2. Bring the meat sauce to a light boil.
3. After two minutes, cover the pan with a lid and dial down the heat to low.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

BEST LASAGNA RECIPE

Making homemade lasagna is very easy!

1. In a large mixing bowl, add Ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the grated Mozzarella cheese.
2. Blend the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

HOW TO MAKE MEAT LASAGNA

This is how to layer noodles to make the best meat lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Generously butter a 9X13 lasagna pan or casserole dish.
3. Prepare lasagna noodles according to directions on the box.
4. Ladle meat sauce on the bottom of the pan to create a base.
5. Place a flat row of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
6. Add a layer of meat sauce over the noodles.
7. Spread Ricotta cheese filling over the sauce.
8. Arrange another layer of noodles on top.
9. Continue until 3 noodle/sauce/filling layers have been completed.
10. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna.

HOW LONG DO YOU COOK LASAGNA?

1. Bake lasagna for 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove from oven.
3. Allow lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Enjoy lasagna with a crisp salad, and wine or sparkling apple cider.

EXPERT COOKING TIPS: HOW TO FREEZE LASAGNA

Keep your lasagna fresh and delicious when meal prepping a frozen dinner. Here’s how to freeze lasagna:

• Meal prep lasagna in a freezer-friendly way. Use fresh meat that has not been previously frozen. Refrozen meat will have diminished flavor!
• Lasagna can be frozen before or after being baked. This is a personal choice. Either way, the quality of your lasagna will not be affected.
• Assemble lasagna in a freezer-safe dish. For long-term storage, an aluminum tray is not the best option as it may give your meal a metallic taste. If needed, bake lasagna in an oven-safe dish, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
• Cool lasagna before freezing. To protect taste and texture, allow baked lasagna to shed all heat and cool down to room temperature.
• If desired, divide lasagna into serving portions. Place smaller portions in their own freezer bag.
• Cover dish with several layers of plastic wrap. To prevent freezer burn, make sure there are no gaps around the sides where air can get in.
• Tightly cover the top with aluminum foil. Stretch the foil over the plastic. Do not allow it to touch the surface of the lasagna or it can leave a tinny taste.
• Label lasagna with a date. This will keep your frozen foods organized.
• Freeze for up to three months.

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HOW TO THAW AND REHEAT FROZEN LASAGNA

1. Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. This method ensures your lasagna reheats evenly and maintains its best taste and texture.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. This is the ideal temperature for reheating frozen lasagna.
3. Prepare lasagna for baking. Remove all plastic wrap. If needed, transfer lasagna to an oven-safe baking dish. Tent the baking dish with foil to protect the surface from over browning.
4. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. Lasagna is done when the middle section is heated all the way through. If desired, remove the foil tent during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give the noodles a nice crispy top.
5. IMPORTANT: Never put a metal tray or aluminum foil in the microwave! This can result in a fire.

KITCHEN TOOLS FOR MEAT LASAGNA RECIPE

These are helpful kitchen tools when making homemade lasagna:

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