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Classic Lasagna

A comforting dish with layers of pasta, gooey cheese, and savory meat sauce, perfect for busy families.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Noodles
  • 9 pieces lasagna noodles You can also use no-boil noodles if you want to save time.
Meat
  • 1 pound ground beef Or Italian sausage, if you're feeling adventurous.
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz) Store-bought is perfectly fine.
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese The magic layer that brings everything together.
  • 1 large egg To bind the ricotta.
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Because cheese is life.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For that rich finishing touch.
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano For flavor.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce with cooked meat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with the egg.
Assembly
  1. In a baking dish (9x13 inches), spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom, layer three noodles, followed by a portion of the ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and more meat sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with foil (sprayed with cooking spray) and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use no-boil noodles to save time. If the sauce looks a little lumpy, that's part of the magic! Layer in some spinach or zucchini for a veggie twist.