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To make Cheesy Sicilian Lasagna, you need these key items: - 12 lasagna sheets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 egg - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The magic of Cheesy Sicilian Lasagna lies in its cheese. Three types play a big role: - Ricotta cheese adds creaminess to the layers. It has a mild taste. - Mozzarella cheese gives that stretchy, gooey bite we all love. It melts beautifully. - Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick and a nice crunch on top. It adds depth to each bite. These cheeses work together to create layers of flavor and texture in every slice. Gather these tools to make cooking easier: - Large skillet for the meat sauce - Mixing bowl for the ricotta mixture - 9x13 inch baking dish for layering - Spoon for stirring and layering - Aluminum foil for baking - Knife for slicing and serving With these essentials, you'll be ready to dive into the joy of making lasagna! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps the lasagna cook evenly and brown nicely. In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring often. Break up the meat with a spoon. When the meat is browned, stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for 15 minutes. This melds the flavors and creates a rich sauce. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place 3 lasagna sheets over the sauce. Next, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the sheets. Then, layer one-third of the meat sauce on top. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering two more times: sheets, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top. Top it off by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on the last layer. This will give you a cheesy, golden crust. To get the best cheese layer, use a mix of cheeses. I love using ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Each cheese adds a unique taste. For a creamier layer, mix ricotta with an egg. This helps it stay together. Spread each cheese layer evenly. This will give every bite a rich flavor. Don't skip the mozzarella on top! It melts perfectly and creates a golden crust. Soggy lasagna can ruin your meal. To stop this, make sure to drain your meat well. Too much liquid from the meat can make the noodles soggy. Also, boil the noodles for a shorter time if you use traditional sheets. This helps them stay firm. Layering with a thin meat sauce on the bottom helps too. It keeps the noodles from soaking up too much moisture. Presentation matters! Slice the lasagna into neat squares. Serve on a bright plate to make it pop. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds charm. Add a fresh basil leaf for color. This small touch makes a big difference. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. This way, your dish looks as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil enhances the flavor of your lasagna significantly. Add it to the meat sauce or the ricotta mixture for a vibrant taste. Layering Technique: Ensure even distribution of the layers by using a spatula to spread the ricotta and meat sauce evenly. This helps avoid dry spots in your lasagna. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Start by replacing the meat with your favorite vegetables. I suggest using mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Sauté these veggies until tender, and mix them into the sauce. Add a bit of extra olive oil for flavor. The ricotta and mozzarella will still give you that creamy texture. This makes for a hearty meal that everyone will love. If you need a gluten-free option, there are great alternatives available. Use gluten-free lasagna sheets, which you can find in many stores. You can also make your own using almond flour or quinoa. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. The flavors will still shine through, and everyone can enjoy this cheesy delight. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, you can try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist. A mix of cheddar and Gouda adds a rich depth of flavor. Each cheese brings its unique taste, making your lasagna special. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! To reheat leftover lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until it's hot throughout. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Just make sure to cover them to avoid drying out. If you have extra lasagna, you can freeze it. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Store leftover lasagna in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always let the lasagna cool before placing it in the fridge. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Label your containers with the date, so you know when to enjoy your tasty leftovers! Sicilian lasagna has a few unique traits. First, it often uses a mix of meats, like ground beef and Italian sausage. This blend gives it a rich flavor. Second, it has a thicker sauce, which makes it heartier. Finally, Sicilian lasagna usually includes more cheese. You will find layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This combination makes each bite creamy and satisfying. Yes, you can use pre-cooked lasagna noodles. These noodles save time and make the process easier. Just layer them like regular noodles in your dish. Keep in mind that pre-cooked noodles may not absorb as much sauce. This can make the lasagna a bit wetter. To fix this, you might want to bake it a bit longer. You can tell the lasagna is fully cooked by checking a few things. First, look for bubbly cheese on top. This shows the cheese has melted nicely. Second, insert a knife into the center. If it goes in easily, the lasagna is done. Lastly, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Enjoy your delicious Sicilian lasagna! You’ve learned how to make delicious Sicilian lasagna step by step. We covered the best ingredients and utensils needed. You now know tips for perfecting layers and avoiding sogginess. With options for vegetarian and gluten-free versions, everyone can enjoy this dish. Remember the best ways to store and reheat it. Enjoy creating your homemade lasagna and impress your friends and family with your skills!

Cheesy Sicilian Lasagna

A delicious layered lasagna with a rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 sheets lasagna sheets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  • Incorporate the ground beef and Italian sausage into the skillet, cooking for approximately 7-10 minutes until fully browned.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place 3 lasagna sheets over the sauce.
  • Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the lasagna sheets, then layer one-third of the meat sauce, followed by one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer of meat sauce.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Slice the lasagna into squares and serve on a plate with a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil for an elegant touch. Consider pairing with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword cheesy, Italian, lasagna