Classic Lasagna: A Timeless Comfort Dish

Classic Lasagna

Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty slice of classic lasagna. This staple dish has graced dinner tables for generations, with its rich layers of meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a family gathering or simply craving some homemade goodness, this lasagna recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 12 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 tablespoon salt.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Savor the layers of deliciousness in this classic lasagna that can only come from a dish made with love and care. Serve it hot and enjoy the perfect symphony of flavors and textures in each bite.