Donna's Hearty Lasagna Recipe

This lasagna recipe is a classic favorite that will satisfy any craving for comfort food. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheeses, and seasonings come together to create a dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
• 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is tender.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon another cup of meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes.
10. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts