Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna

Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients:

– **Meat Sauce:**
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste

– **Cheese Mixture:**
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– **Additional Ingredients:**
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, parsley, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

3. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles:**
1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of wax paper to prevent sticking.

4. **Assemble the Lasagna:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
6. Repeat the layers two more times (sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese).
7. Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles and the remaining meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

5. **Bake the Lasagna:**
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy your classic beef and cheese lasagna!

This classic lasagna is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy!