Cheesy Lasagna Recipe

This classic lasagna recipe is packed with flavor and oozing with cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef  
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced  
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Filling:
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cheese Layer:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Drain off any excess grease.
   • Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.  
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).  
   • Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.  
   • Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and pour any remaining meat sauce over the top.
   • Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Let it Rest:
   • Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesy Lasagna!