Simply Traditional Lasagna

This is a simple lasagna with ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and jarred marinara sauce. It takes about half the time and effort!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 736 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 pinch basil
• 2 (14 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup warm water
• 1.5 teaspoons dried sage

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in the water and black olives; season with basil, garlic powder, oregano, sage, pepper, minced garlic, and onion flakes. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from the heat.

Step 3

Place a layer of the meat and sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with a layer of dry noodles. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, then sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of sauce and repeat layering, ending with the meat and sauce on top. Reserve about 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese for later.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, but check after 30 minutes depending on how thick the lasagna is. Lasagna is cooked when you can easily stick a knife into it. Sprinkle reserved cheese over the top and return to the oven until melted, about 10 minutes.