Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef 🥩

1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional) 🌭

1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 🍅

1 teaspoon sugar 🍬1

teaspoon dried basil 🌿

1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿

Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese 🧀
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 large egg 🥚
2 tablespoons chopped parsley 🌿

For Assembly:

12 lasagna noodles 🍝

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping) 🧀

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🧀

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage (if using), onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente.
Drain and lay flat on a clean surface or parchment paper.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles (about 3), followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and then a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. 🥗Tips
For a richer flavor, make the meat sauce a day ahead to let the flavors develop.
Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

🍄🌿

Enjoy your cheesy, hearty lasagna!

😋