Easy Dutch Oven Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon white sugar
• 6 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a Dutch oven.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is evenly browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture in the bottom of the prepared Dutch oven. Arrange 3 of the lasagna noodles over the beef. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese. Top with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 of the remaining beef mixture.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the Dutch oven.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove cover, and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Interesting Facts

• Lasagna is a classic Italian dish and is popular around the world.
• The word "lasagna" comes from the Greek word "lasagnum" which means "cooking pot".
• This dish is traditionally served with a salad and garlic bread.