What You’ll Need:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange three lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them. Next, spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all of your ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step 5: Baking and Serving
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.
There you have it! By following these simple steps, you can now confidently assemble a delicious lasagna that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece and impress your loved ones with your newfound culinary skills!