Classic Italian Lasagna

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
• Egg (1 large)
• Ricotta cheese (2 cups)
• Salt and pepper (1 teaspoon each, or to taste)
• Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon)
• Tomato paste (1 can (6 oz))
• Tomato sauce (2 cans (15 oz each))
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 large, diced)
• Ground beef (1 lb)
• Lasagna noodles (12 noodles)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Start layering your lasagna in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Begin with a thin layer of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles.
7. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Repeat the layers using the remaining ingredients, ensuring to finish with a generous layer of meat sauce and a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
11. Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting into the lasagna easier. Enjoy your delicious homemade Classic Italian Lasagna!