MARIO'S LASAGNA

Mario's Lasagna image

Provided by Karen Estep

Categories Beef

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb lean ground beef
3/4 lb sweet italian sausage or maple sausage
1/2 c minced onion
2 clove garlic, crushed
1 can(s) (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 can(s) (6 oz each) tomato paste
2 can(s) (6.5 oz each) tomato sauce
1/2 c water
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 Tbsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
12 lasagna noodles
16 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
4 c mozarella cheese, shredded
3/4 c parmesan cheese, grated and fresh

Steps:

1. Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tbs. salt, pepper. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.
4. To put together, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with about a third of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.