Few dishes command attention and bring pure comfort to the table quite like a magnificent Loaded Lasagna. This classic Italian-American bake features tender lasagna noodles layered with a rich, savory meat sauce (a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage!), creamy ricotta cheese, and generous amounts of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a truly satisfying and deeply flavorful meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Loaded Lasagna recipe is a labor of love that delivers immense culinary rewards, and it’s a staple in my kitchen for very good reason! What I love most is the incredible depth of flavor that develops in the meat sauce – the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, infused with classic Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, creates a robust base that is simply irresistible. Then there are the layers: the tender pasta, the creamy, tangy ricotta mixture, and of course, plenty of gooey, stretchy mozzarella. Each forkful is a perfect bite of savory meat, sweet tomato, and rich cheese. It’s a true comfort food masterpiece that’s always worth the effort and makes for fantastic leftovers!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty Loaded Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if cooking traditional noodles)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 (16 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 4 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
Swaps and Notes
- Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles (boil-before-baking) or no-boil/oven-ready noodles can be used. If using no-boil, skip step 2 and ensure your sauce has enough moisture.
- Ground Meat: The combination of beef and Italian sausage is key for rich flavor. You can use all beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter version, but the flavor will differ.
- Mushrooms: Canned sliced mushrooms add an earthy note. Fresh sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the meat) can also be used, or omitted if preferred.
- Herbs: Dried oregano, thyme, and basil are classic Italian flavors. Feel free to use fresh herbs (double the amount for dried) if you have them.
- Tomato Sauce: Use a good quality plain tomato sauce. For added depth, you can substitute one can of tomato sauce with a can of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese Mixture: The eggs help bind the ricotta, and Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for a traditional touch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates better cheese pulls. Pre-shredded works for convenience.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Loaded Lasagna assembled and baked!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Lasagna Noodles (if traditional): Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 9 lasagna noodles (and 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking). Cook until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes, according to package directions. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound bulk Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease thoroughly. Stir in the 1 (16 ounce) can drained sliced mushrooms (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, and 4 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Meanwhile, in a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, 3 large beaten eggs, and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles (trimming to fit if necessary) over the sauce, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
- Spread about 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Ladle about 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times: 3 noodles, 1/3 ricotta, 1/4 mozzarella, 1/3 meat sauce.
- Finish the top layer with the remaining 3 noodles, covered generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (you may want to spray the underside of the foil with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering at the edges. If the cheese begins to get too dark on top, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking, or if it’s already golden, keep it covered.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven. Let it sit, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart. Slice into generous portions and enjoy your hearty Loaded Lasagna!
Tips for Success
- Drain Meat Thoroughly: Excess grease will make your lasagna greasy.
- Al Dente Noodles: If boiling traditional noodles, cook them al dente, as they will finish cooking in the oven and absorb sauce.
- Layering is Key: Even layers ensure every bite has all the delicious components.
- Don’t Skimp on Sauce: Ensure there’s enough sauce, especially if using no-boil noodles, to keep everything moist.
- Resting Time: This is crucial! Letting the lasagna rest allows the layers to firm up, making for cleaner slices and preventing a soupy mess.
- Cover if Browning Too Fast: If the top cheese is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Loaded Lasagna is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: A classic and essential companion for soaking up extra sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed asparagus or broccoli.
- For other comforting and crowd-pleasing pasta dishes or casseroles, consider our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce or our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Loaded Lasagna makes fantastic leftovers and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot (cover with foil initially to prevent drying, then uncover for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese).
- Freezing: Lasagna freezes exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire pan (if freezer-safe) or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also freeze unbaked lasagna.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and hearty nature of this lasagna, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another classic pasta dish, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of quick pasta bakes, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fastis a fantastic time-saver.
- For an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
- And for a hearty chicken and cheese casserole that’s always a hit, check out These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Lasagna recipe is a timeless classic for a reason – it’s incredibly comforting, deeply flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table and savor with loved ones, promising a big taste of homemade Italian-American goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite classic Italian dish to make from scratch? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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