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Easy Meatball Lasagne: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Comfort Food

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

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

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

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Find it online: https://butdelicious.com/easy-meatball-lasagne/