Italian Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce and water. Season with sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, basil and garlic salt. Simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Lasagna originated in Italy in the Middle Ages.
• The word “lasagna” comes from the Greek word “lasagnum” meaning “dish”.
• Lasagna is a popular dish in the United States, especially among families.
• In Italy, lasagna is typically served with a meat sauce and cheese.