Savory Herb-Infused Meaty Lasagna

Lasagna Recipe

🕒 Total Time: 4 hours | 🍽️ Servings: 16 | 🍳 Yield: 1 large batch

Description:

Indulge in the rich flavors of this savory Lasagna, a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With layers of meaty sauce, cheeses, and tender noodles, this recipe promises a culinary delight that will leave everyone craving for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb lasagna noodles
• Olive oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large sauté pan, brown the ground sausage and lamb over medium heat until dark brown and crumbly.
   • Transfer the cooked meat to a stock pot over low heat.
   • In the same sauté pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and chopped herbs, continue sautéing until caramelized and fragrant.
   • Deglaze the pan with dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits, then add the mixture to the stock pot.
   • Allow the mixture to simmer until the onions start to break down.
   • Stir in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
   • Season with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be rich and flavorful as it will season the entire lasagna.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

   • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to the package instructions.
   • Handle the noodles gently to prevent breakage. Once cooked, drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9x4-inch baking pan with olive oil.
   • Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles in the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring they slightly overlap.
   • Spread a layer of meat sauce followed by a layer of ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella on top of the noodles.
   • Repeat the layers, alternating between noodles, sauce, and cheeses, until all ingredients are used up. Ensure the top layer is sauce and cheese.
   • Optional: sprinkle grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and/or grated Pecorino Romano cheese on some layers for extra flavor.
   • Cover the lasagna with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sauce directly to prevent a metallic taste.

4. Bake the Lasagna:

   • If baking from the refrigerator, bake covered for 1-1/4 hours; if at room temperature, bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
   • Uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the lasagna into portions and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family and friends!

Notes:

• Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for longer storage.
• Adjust the seasoning and cheese quantities according to your taste preferences.
• Handle the lasagna noodles gently to prevent breakage and ensure they cook evenly.