Introduction

Italian-American lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dish that brings families together. Unlike traditional Italian lasagna, which often features a lighter béchamel sauce, the American version is layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and a robust meat sauce, creating a hearty, indulgent casserole perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

What makes this lasagna special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors—tender pasta sheets, a savory meat-tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

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The Recipe: Italian-American Lasagna

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until soft (~3 min), then add garlic (30 sec).
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Cook the Noodles (if not oven-ready)

• Boil lasagna noodles al dente, drain, and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer:

• 4 noodles (slightly overlapping)
• ⅓ ricotta mixture (dollop and spread)
• 1½ cups meat sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella

1. Repeat two more times, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
2. Sprinkle Parmesan over the final layer.

5. Bake

• Cover with foil (sprayed with oil to prevent sticking).
• Bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing (prevents a runny lasagna).

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Tips for the Best Lasagna

✅ No-Boil Noodles: Use oven-ready lasagna sheets for convenience.
🧀 Cheese Choices: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
🍖 Meat Variations: Try ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles for a lighter version.
🌿 Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for extra flavor.
⏳ Make Ahead: Assemble 1 day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

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Conclusion

This Italian-American Lasagna is the definition of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday feast, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit.

The key to success? A well-seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and perfectly melted cheese. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate meal. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to lasagna forever!