Classic Cheesy Lasagna

 Classic Cheesy Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

Other:

9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

3–4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles

If using regular noodles, cook them in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes.

3. Make the cheese filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add a layer of noodles, followed by more meat sauce, dollops of ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella.

Repeat layers (noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella) until everything is used, ending with a thick layer of mozzarella on top.

5. Bake

Cover loosely with foil (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick to the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & serve

Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

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Pro 

Tip:

Make it a day ahead! Lasagna often tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.