Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic lasagna, featuring layers of homemade ricotta cheese, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. This recipe combines the richness of homemade ingredients with the convenience of store-bought marinara sauce for a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients: 1 lb lasagna noodles. 2 cups homemade ricotta cheese. 1 lb ground beef. 1 onion, diced. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 cups marinara sauce. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1 teaspoon dried oregano. 1 teaspoon dried basil. Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375F 190C. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by dollops of homemade ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
TRISH Brownlee
