Piousbox

Classic Lasagna Preparation

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara or tomato sauce
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 9–12 lasagna noodles
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the meat sauce: Brown the meat and onion in a large skillet. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Add sauce: Stir in the marinara and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
3. Prepare the ricotta mixture: Mix ricotta, egg, about ¼ cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the noodles: If using regular noodles, cook according to the package directions and drain. No-boil noodles can be used directly.
5. Layer: In a 9×13-inch baking dish:
   • Thin layer of meat sauce
   • Lasagna noodles
   • Ricotta mixture
   • Meat sauce
   • Mozzarella
   • Repeat 2–3 times
6. Top: Finish with noodles, meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan.
7. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
8. Brown the top: Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and browned.
9. Rest: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers hold together.