Irresistible Cheesy Sausage and Beef Lasagna Recipe

Ah, lasagna… there’s just something about the layers of gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta that wraps you in a delicious, comforting hug, right? This Cheesy Sausage and Beef Lasagna recipe becomes a family favorite so quickly it’s almost a little alarming! I mean, it’s perfect for those cozy nights at home or for when you want to impress guests with something that feels both fancy and homey at the same time. The aroma alone as it bakes—oh, it’s heavenly, trust me.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Seriously—it’s cheesy! Like, gooey, melty cheese that stretches with every bite.
• It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet sausage and hearty beef combo—just mouthwatering.
• Comfort food at its best, making it a go-to for family gatherings or a chilly evening in.
• You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or even switch up the meats—so versatile!
• Leftovers? Oh, they’re even better the next day! You’ll be looking forward to lunch, I promise.

My family fights over the last slice every time, and I can’t blame them—it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound sausage: Get the kind you love, spicy or mild—just remove those casings.
• 1 pound ground beef: Classic choice to add richness. You could use turkey for a lighter take, too.
• 1 medium onion: Chopped up, gives a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced—because garlic makes everything better!
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce, full of that fresh, tangy flavor.
• 6 ounces tomato paste: For a thicker, richer sauce—trust me, you want this.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano & basil: A must for that Italian flavor kick.
• 1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning, adjust to your taste!
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy goodness for those rich layers.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind that ricotta mixture; it’s important!
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star on top, so melty and dreamy.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that savory finish!
• 12 sheets lasagna noodles: Cooked but a bit al dente, you know the drill.

Easy How-To

Start with the Sauce

Okay, so first thing’s first—heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in that sausage and ground beef. Break it up… you want it crumble-y and brown… about 5 to 7 minutes should do it. Oh, and drain any excess fat, but not all—gotta keep some flavor, right?

Bring on the Flavor

Next, it’s onion and garlic time! Add those chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring around until the onions are soft. Just about 3 or 4 minutes should be good… You can just smell the goodness happening here.

Sauce it Up

Now, pour in those crushed tomatoes and tomato paste… oh, and don’t forget the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper! Stir it up, let everything bubble away on low for about 15 or 20 minutes. You’re basically letting the flavors mingle and get cozy… so good!

Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half of that parmesan, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Just mix, mix, mix until it looks nice and combined.

Noodles Time

In a big pot of boiling salted water, cook those lasagna noodles according to package directions, so they’re al dente—don’t overdo it, okay? Then, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. It’s like giving them a little bath! Now they won’t stick together.

Assemble, Assemble!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Time to build this beauty! Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, layer noodles on top, then half of that ricotta mixture, half the meat sauce, and a nice layer of mozzarella. Just repeat those layers, ending with noodles and pouring the remaining meat sauce over and topping it with more mozzarella.

Final Touches and Bake

Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan over the top layer of mozzarella… cover it with aluminum foil. Slide it into that preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, so everything gets bubbly and golden. It’s like magic!

Cooling Off

And finally, let that lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before slicing it. This is, like, the hardest part, but… trust me, worth it! Slice and serve warm!

Good to Know

• Want it lighter? Swap the sausage and beef for ground turkey or chicken—still delish!
• Feel free to mix in veggies like spinach or mushrooms. It adds some color and nutrients!
• You can prep this ahead of time—just pop it in the fridge, or freeze it for later if you’re thinking ahead.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a big salad and some crusty bread. That’s a winning combo, for sure!

Top Tricks

• If you want to make slicing easier, let it sit longer than 15 minutes after baking—it really firms up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese for lasagna?

Definitely! You can mix and match cheeses based on what you like or have on hand—ricotta, mozzarella, maybe even gouda… go wild!

Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?

Yep! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a bit enhances the flavors… just bake it when you’re ready!

What can I substitute for sausage in the recipe?

Ground turkey, ground beef, or even load it up with veggies—there are so many options!

How do I store leftover lasagna?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days—or freeze it for a hearty meal down the road!

Is homemade lasagna better than store-bought?

Many folks think so! You get to control the ingredients and flavors… and it’s made with love, after all.

Conclusion

This cheesy sausage and beef lasagna is just wonderful and hits the spot every time. With its layers of pasta, savory meat, and rich cheese, it’s really hard to beat. Plus, you can prep ahead of time, and enjoy your gathering without stress. Just perfect for making memories, one cheesy bite at a time!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

Vegetable Lasagna

Think about a packed vegetable lasagna with spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a lighter but still hearty meal.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

How about a creamy twist with chicken instead of beef and sausage? Yum!

Mexican Lasagna

For a fun spin, make a Mexican-style lasagna with tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese.

Seafood Lasagna

You can also explore seafood lasagna with shrimp and crab in a creamy white sauce for something a little fancy.

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

If vegetarian is your jam, a spinach and ricotta lasagna is such a dreamy choice.