The best homemade lasagna

Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:

  • Lasagna noodles (either pre-cooked or no-boil)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
  • In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  1. Assemble the Lasagna:
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
  • Spread a portion of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
  • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  1. Bake:
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  1. Rest:
  • Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

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