Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese & Pasta Layers:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (boil according to package instructions)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned completely, draining any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens richly.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with a generous handful of mozzarella cheese and meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining meat sauce, a thick blanket of mozzarella, and the rest of the parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers hold their shape and keeps those gorgeous cheese pulls intact. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.