Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 can (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- .5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Salt and pepper to taste)
- 9 Lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- .5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined. Set it aside.
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna:Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it Rest:
- Serve:Garnish the lasagna with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This classic beef lasagna recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings, depending on portion size. Enjoy your homemade classic beef lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a satisfying and comforting meal!