Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by another 3 noodles.
- Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture, meat sauce, and top with the last 3 noodles.
- Finish with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the pan with foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray).
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces.
- This lasagna freezes well, so consider making double for later!
Enjoy your Million Dollar Lasagna! 🍽️