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Deep Dish Lasagna

This Deep Dish Lasagna is a hearty, comforting classic layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbly mozzarella cheese—perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 30 ounces tomato sauce 2 cans (15 ounces each)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth and well mixed. This mixture will add creaminess and help bind the layers together.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your deep baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
  • Place 3 to 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping as needed. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella and a bit of grated Parmesan.
  • Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped generously with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set perfectly.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting layers of your homemade deep dish lasagna.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Deep Baking Dish (9x13 inches or similar)
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon or Spatula
  • Aluminum Foil

Notes

  • You can prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate before baking.
  • Leftovers keep well for 4 days in the fridge or can be frozen up to 3 months.
  • For a dairy-free version, try vegan cheese alternatives and substitute meats as desired.