Southern Lasagna Recipe
Southern Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melty cheese. This Southern-inspired twist on classic lasagna incorporates smoked sausage, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses, creating a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10 people
Calories 450 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12-15 sheets lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Prepare the Meat Sauce:In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and pork sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Make the Béchamel Sauce:In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to make a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes.Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Layer the Lasagna:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.Layer lasagna noodles on top. Add a layer of béchamel sauce, then a layer of ricotta cheese.Continue layering with meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake the Lasagna:Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes for a golden finish.Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- You can prepare this lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
- For a Southern twist, try adding crumbled cornbread for extra texture.
- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to avoid them becoming too soft.