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Paula Deen’s Hearty Meat Lasagna Recipe

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3.8 from 56 reviews

This hearty lasagna recipe by Paula Deen combines rich layers of ground beef and sausage with tangy marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz marinara sauce)
  • 1 can (14 oz crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add lasagna noodles and cook until tender. Drain and lay them flat on a tray. This prevents sticking and tearing.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and tomatoes.
  3. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This helps all flavors blend together nicely.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan and parsley. Stir until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess and balance the rich meat layers.
  5. Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add noodles, then cheese mixture, then mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with cheese on top.
  6. Bake the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This helps layers set properly. Slice into portions and serve warm for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting helps the layers set properly for easier slicing and better texture.