recipe for lasagna

 Classic Lasagna Recipe

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 45-60 minutes

Ingredients:

Meat Sauce:

 * 1 pound ground beef

 * 1 onion, chopped

 * 2 cloves garlic, minced

 * 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

 * 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

 * 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 * 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

 * Salt and pepper to taste

Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

 * 15 ounces ricotta cheese

 * 1 egg

 * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

 * Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

 * 12 lasagna noodles

 * 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

 * Make the Meat Sauce:

   * Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.

   * Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

   * Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

   * Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 * Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

   * In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

 * Assemble the Lasagna:

   * Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   * Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

   * Top with 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed.

   * Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

   * Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

   * Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella.

   * Top with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

 * Bake:

   * Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

   * Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.

 * Let Rest:

   * Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips:

 * For a richer flavor, use homemade marinara sauce instead of canned.

 * Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrients.

 * You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.

 * To make ahead, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

 * Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!

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