Easy Meatball Lasagne: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Comfort Food

Easy Meatball Lasagne is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. As someone who has always cherished the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, I find that this recipe perfectly marries the heartiness of meatballs with the classic layers of lasagne. Originating from Italy, lasagne has a long-standing history as a beloved family meal, often prepared for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of taste and texture that is hard to resist.

People love Easy Meatball Lasagne not just for its incredible flavor, but also for its convenience. It’s a one-dish wonder that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The satisfaction of pulling a bubbling, cheesy lasagne from the oven is unmatched, and I can assure you that this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Preparing the Lasagna Noodles

1. While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Making the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This will add a lovely richness to our lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.
2. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a third of the meat sauce. Make sure to spread it evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
4. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and half of the remaining meat sauce.
5. For the final layer, place the last 4 noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Cooking the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This will help the lasagna cook evenly without burning the top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Serving the Lasagna

1. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the lasagna into squares. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Pair it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every cheesy,

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Easy Meatball Lasagne is a must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends with a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese layered between sheets of pasta creates a delightful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your lasagne with a fresh garden salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you want to mix things up, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap out the meatballs for a vegetarian alternative. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Easy Meatball Lasagne a try and share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you and any variations you decided to try. Cooking is all about creativity and making it your own, so don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on this recipe. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Easy Meatball Lasagne: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Comfort Food

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 75 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Enjoy a comforting classic with this lasagna recipe, featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for hearty, delicious food.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 12 lasagna noodles
   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1 pound Italian sausage
   • 1 small onion, finely chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
   • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
   • 2 teaspoons dried basil
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
   • 1 cup ricotta cheese
   • 1 egg
   • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
   3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   4. While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
   5. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
   7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   8. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
   9. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a third of the meat sauce.
   10. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and half of the remaining meat sauce.
   11. For the final layer, place the last 4 noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
   12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
   13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   14. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing.
   15. Slice the lasagna into squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
   16. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top, alongside a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the meat sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
   • You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 45 minutes