This hearty Sicilian lasagna is full of rich flavors, featuring layers of pasta, creamy ricotta, and savory meat sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a dish!
I love how this lasagna brings everyone together at the dinner table. Just be ready for leftovers because they vanish fast! 😄
When I make this, I often save some to enjoy the next day. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while. Trust me, it’s a must-try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: The mix of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage creates a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can be used instead. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils!
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives this lasagna its creamy texture. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese or mascarpone can work too, but they will change the flavor a bit. I prefer whole milk ricotta for the best richness.
Lasagna Noodles: You can use regular or no-boil noodles, depending on what you have on hand. I find no-boil noodles are super convenient and save time—just be sure to add enough sauce to keep them moist while baking!
Cheese: Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano add great flavor! Use provolone for a twist, or if you want it extra cheesy, mix in some fontina cheese. My favorite combo is mozzarella and a bit of smoked gouda for a unique flavor!
How Do I Perfectly Layer My Lasagna?
Layering is crucial for the best lasagna experience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add noodles in a single layer—avoid overlapping for even cooking.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella and Pecorino for flavor!
- Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a hearty topping of cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from burning but remove it later for that golden finish!
Let the lasagna sit at room temperature before slicing—it helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste!
The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 cup Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked or no-boil)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes about 30 minutes for prepping ingredients, 45 minutes for the sauce to simmer, and about 25-30 minutes for baking—plus a little extra time for resting. It’s worth every minute and makes for a fabulous meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Now it’s time to add in the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook the mixture, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until everything is browned and cooked through—this should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if you’re using it), sugar, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
While the meat sauce simmers, take a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is mixed well and set it to the side.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then lay down a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
6. Layer It Up:
Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Then it’s time to sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded mozzarella and a little Pecorino Romano on top of the ricotta. Keep repeating this layering process in the order of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and cheeses until you run out of ingredients. Make sure you finish with a top layer of mozzarella and Pecorino.
7. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Once that time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden on top.
8. Rest and Serve:
After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices. If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve it warm.
Enjoy a delightful taste of Sicily with this rich, comforting lasagna—perfect for family dinners or special occasions! Buon Appetito!
FAQ for The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While the combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage gives great flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of diced vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the lasagna up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Lasagna?
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light green salad with a vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the lasagna.
Enjoy making and eating your delicious Sicilian lasagna!
