Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles (about 12-15 noodles)
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz / 170g) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water (optional, if needed to thin the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the meat and cook until the onion is softened.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup water to thin it out slightly.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
   • In a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
   • Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover baking dish with foil (tent it slightly). Bake for 45 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve:
   • Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.