Naples It's to Die for Lasagna

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with "Naples It's to Die for Lasagna," a sumptuous, layered masterpiece that combines bold meats, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. This recipe features tender lasagna noodles, a rich tomato-based meat sauce made with a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, and a luscious béchamel sauce subtly infused with nutmeg. Every bite is elevated with creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, and a blanket of melted mozzarella. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this lasagna is ideal for a hearty family dinner or special occasion. Ready in just two hours, it's a labor of love worth every minute. Pair it with crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a meal that’s truly unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 sheets Lasagna noodles
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until a roux forms. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Season with nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Step 7

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.

Step 8

Assemble the lasagna in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the béchamel sauce, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with fresh basil garnish if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4152.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7679.7

Total Fat 402.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 187.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.6g
Cholesterol 1518.5mg	0%
Sodium 9971.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 666.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.7g	0%
Total Sugars 103.4g
Protein 399.3g	0%

Vitamin D 466.6IU	0%
Calcium 6556.3mg	0%
Iron 49.6mg	0%
Potassium 7256.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 33.8%