Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 Pound Spicy Italian Sausage
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Quarts Marinara Sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 15 Ounces Cottage Cheese
- 15 Ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 1½ Cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 Teaspoons Parsley, chopped
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
Additional Ingredients
- 16 Lasagna Noodles
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (for topping)
- ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 2 Teaspoons Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparing the Lasagna Noodles
- Start by preparing the lasagna noodles to save time later. In a large bowl or baking dish, place the lasagna noodles and cover them with hot tap water. The water should be as hot as possible to soften the noodles effectively. Let the noodles soak for 20 to 30 minutes while you prepare the sauce and cheese mixture. Once softened, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Making the Meat Sauce
- Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about five minutes, or until they become translucent. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and forms the flavor base for the sauce. Next, add the spicy Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring it cooks evenly. Pour in ¼ cup of water to help deglaze the pan and prevent the meat from sticking. Cook the meat for three minutes, then add the minced garlic. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked, which should take an additional five minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the marinara sauce, ensuring it coats the meat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes before turning off the heat. Set the prepared meat sauce aside.
- Preparing the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Add the eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and a hint of nutmeg. Nutmeg might seem unconventional, but its warm, earthy flavor enhances the creaminess of the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This step is crucial, as the cheese mixture is the heart of each luscious lasagna layer.
- Assembling the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready when the lasagna is assembled. Lightly spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Begin the layering process by spreading about one cup of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place four softened lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they don’t overlap too much. Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by two cups of meat sauce. Repeat this process two more times to create three layers of noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- For the final layer, place four more noodles on top and spread one cup of meat sauce over them to cover the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This final layer of cheese will create that golden, bubbly crust we all love.
- Baking the Lasagna
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips during cooking. Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the cheese on top to melt and turn golden brown, adding a slightly crispy texture.
- Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Noodle Tips: If you prefer, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip the soaking step. Just make sure your meat sauce is slightly thinner to help the noodles cook properly.
- Meat Alternatives: Replace the sausage and beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes