Delicious Cheesy Lasagna with Pepperoni Recipe
A classic Italian dish with layers of pasta, a tasty cheese filling, and a rich meaty tomato sauce makes this the perfect dish for dinner!
Homemade lasagna is always in heavy rotation at my house, and this is one of the easiest lasagnas to make. It’s so delicious and filling when served with fresh warm garlic bread and a nice house salad.
Skip the fancy Italian restaurants and make a fulfilling home cooked meal for your family to enjoy. Yes- Making lasagna requires a few extra steps. But I can assure you – it’s well worth the time. Not only is it worth it, but the leftovers are also even better the next day.
Feel free to have fun in the kitchen. If you need to switch out the meats for a healthy alternative like ground turkey- don’t hesitate to do so. You can switch out the cheese and be versatile with this dish. Either way- Your lasagna will be so delicious and tasty. Everyone will be pleased with this classic dish!
Delicious Cheesy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Lasagna Noodles
- 1/2 Ib Ground Beef
- 1/2 Ib Italian Sausage
- Pepperoni Slices
- 1 Tbs Olive oil
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- Salt (For Taste)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Seasoned Black Pepper
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes 28oz
- 1 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Parsley
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 McCormick Salt-Free Garlic & Herb Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sugar (it’s optional, adjust as needed to cut the acidity)
- 1/2 cup Spinach (Chopped)
- 1 Tbs Sour Cream
- 3 oz to 5oz Ricotta Cheese (Adjust amount as needed or to personal preference)
- 1/2 to 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 to 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 to 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- PAM Cooking Spray
- Mozzarella Cheese (For top layer)
- 1/4 cup Pasta water
Sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and creates an overall more balanced sauce. (Adjust amounts as needed)
Instructions
- On high heat bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, add salt and the lasagna noodles.
- Cook the lasagna noodles based on the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water (set aside) and drain the cooked noodles in a colander.
- In a skillet on medium high heat, add the Italian sausage & ground beef.
- Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, & seasoned black pepper. Allow the meat to brown, then drain the oil.
- Tip: *Don’t pour the oil down the sink
- In a separate pot on medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add the fresh garlic & sauté until it becomes fragrant (1 to 2 minutes).
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, brown sugar and stir everything together.
- Note: *Do a taste test of your sauce, if it needs more seasoning make the necessary adjustments.
- Next, add the cooked ground beef & Italian sausage to your sauce & stir.
- Add the reserved pasta water & stir into the sauce.
- Allow your sauce to come to a slight boil, then lower the heat.
- Place a lid on the pot and allow your sauce to simmer for 35 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare the baking dish or pan with cooking spray or a drop of olive oil.
- Then, in a medium bowl prepare the ricotta cheese mixture filling. Add the sour cream, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, & Parmesan cheese. (Adjust the cheese amount to your preference)
- Season the cheese mixture with 1/2 tsp seasoned black pepper and 1 tsp McCormick salt-free garlic & herb seasoning)
- Next, prepare to layer the lasagna in the baking dish.
Lasagna Layer:
- First, add a small layer of the pasta sauce to the baking dish.
- Add a layer of the lasagna noodles
- Add the ricotta cheese mixture (spread the mixture onto the noodles).
- Add a layer of the meat sauce and spread it out.
- Cover the meat sauce with a layer of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process until done.
- The last layer should be meat sauce. Then add Parmesan cheese & mozzarella cheese on top. (Pepperoni slices is optional).
- Place the lasagna in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is a light golden brown and the lasagna is bubbly at the bottom.
- *Tip: Keep an eye on the lasagna, you want it to be saucy and not dried out or burnt.
- When the lasagna is done, take it out of the oven & allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. *This will prevent the lasagna from running or falling apart.
- Serve with warm garlic bread & a nice salad. Enjoy!
