Classic Lasagna Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (or enough for 3 layers in your pan)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and chopped parsley until well combined.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying them flat so they don’t stick together.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times, finishing with a layer of noodles and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.

This lasagna is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect comforting meal for any occasion. Enjoy!