Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is brown. Drain off fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 1 hour, 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 small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce. 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.
7. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with basil.
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. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Lasagna originated in Naples, Italy in the 14th century.
• The word "lasagna" is derived from the Greek word "lasagnum", which means "chamber pot".
• The earliest record of lasagna is in the 14th century cookbook Liber de Coquina (The Book of Cookery).
• Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes in the world.