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Kenya's Kitchen88

Delicious Cheesy Lasagna 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! 
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian

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!
Keyword beef, cheese, garlic, italian sausage, lasagna, mozzarella, pasta, recipe, tomato sauce