Classic Beef Lasagna

Classic Beef Lasagna

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until well browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 4 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. 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.
   • Cover with foil to prevent sticking. (To prevent foil from sticking, either spray it with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.)
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Bake in preheated oven for