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Classic Lasagna

Freshly prepared classic lasagna with melted cheese
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Classic Lasagna is a hearty Italian baked pasta dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh basil if using. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture, followed by one-third of the meat sauce and one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat layering twice more, ending with a top layer of noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
  9. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to set layers.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses.

Find it online: https://justhealthybites.com/classic-lasagna-best-homemade-recipe/