Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
- 3 cups cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 tsp salt (for cheese mixture)
Meat Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 tbsp dried garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon basil
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tsp ground pepper
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking meat)
Others
- 1 package (10 ounces) lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, optionally heat olive oil and sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Stir in basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cottage or ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well incorporated and smooth.
- Layer in Dutch Oven: Spread a very thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom of a clean Dutch oven to prevent sticking. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce.
- Add Cheese Layer: Spread an even layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add Meat Sauce Layer: Spread an even layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese layer.
- Add Mozzarella: Place thinly sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layers of noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella one or two more times, depending on the size of your Dutch oven and desired thickness.
- Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with meat sauce, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a final layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cook in Dutch Oven: Cover the Dutch oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the lasagna to set.
Notes
- Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use whole milk mozzarella and whole milk cottage or ricotta cheese for creamier texture and flavor.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to help it set for easier serving.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Adding a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce can help balance acidity if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian