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The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna is a hearty, traditional Italian dish featuring rich layers of a savory meat sauce made with ground beef and pork, a blend of crushed tomatoes and herbs, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with eggs, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This comforting casserole is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a deliciously satisfying combination of bold flavors and classic textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lasagna and Cheese Mixture

  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 32 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and ground pork until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
  2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying the noodles flat to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a spread of ricotta mixture, a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • For best results, simmer the meat sauce longer if time permits to deepen the flavor.
  • You can substitute ground veal or turkey for pork to alter the flavor profile.
  • If using no-boil noodles, adjust assembly accordingly and add extra sauce to ensure noodles soften properly.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps it set and makes cutting cleaner slices.

Keywords: Sicilian lasagna, Italian lasagna recipe, baked pasta, ricotta cheese lasagna, ground beef lasagna, homemade lasagna sauce

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/the-godfather-sicilian-lasagna-recipe/