Lasagna

Description

This delicious lasagna recipe features layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, baked to perfection. It's a classic comfort food that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, and remaining parsley.
5. To assemble, spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.