Meet the classic Meat Lasagna. How much do you love it?

Lasagna is a popular Italian-American dish that is enjoyed across the United States. Another great thing the Italians came with.

It’s not hard to make it, just follow the steps. Here is what you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces/170 grams) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• 1/2 cup water
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
5. Add the water to the skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
7. Spoon a layer of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat the layers with more noodles, meat sauce, and cheese. Create at least three layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and cheese on top.
9. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the final layer, spreading it out gently with a spoon.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
13. Slice the lasagna into portions and serve hot, just like in the picture above!