Recipe: Classic Lasagna
Introduction: This classic lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on pan size)
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous amount of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Note: Lasagna is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve! Enjoy this classic dish!