Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
500g (1 lb) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the cheese layer:
500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
9–12 lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the meat sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture.
Repeat the layers: sauce → noodles → cheese.
Finish with a layer of sauce and top with shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna! Let me know if you want a vegetarian version too.
