NOTHING BEATS A GOOD LASAGNA AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK ๐
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
โข 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
โข 1 small onion, finely chopped
โข 3 cloves garlic, minced
โข 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
โข 2 tablespoons tomato paste
โข 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
โข 1 teaspoon sugar
โข 1 teaspoon dried basil
โข 1 teaspoon dried oregano
โข Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
โข 15 ounces ricotta cheese
โข 1 large egg
โข 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
โข 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Other Ingredients:
โข 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
โข 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
โข 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
โข Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
โข Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
โข In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until combined.
3. Preheat Oven
โข Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
4. Assemble the Lasagna
โข Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
โข Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
โข Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
โข Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
โข Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
โข Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
โข Cover the dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
โข Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve
โข Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve hot.
