For Assembly
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12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
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4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 How to Make Classic Baked Lasagna
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add tomato paste and cook briefly to enhance the flavor.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, and red wine (if using).
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Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta (if using regular noodles)
Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on kitchen towels to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Add 4 noodles, slightly overlapping.
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Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
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Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
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Repeat layers two more times — sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella.
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Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
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Cover with foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
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Bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
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Let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing — this ensures perfect, clean layers.
🔥 Pro Tips for Lasagna Excellence
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Using No-Boil Noodles? Add ½ cup of water around the edges before baking.
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Avoid a S