RECIPES
Classic Beef Lasagna
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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:
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- 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.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- 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.
- 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.)
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Bake in preheated oven for