Classic Lasagna Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
   • Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese filling, meat sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to ask.