Instructions:
- Prepare the meat sauce:
- In a large pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
- Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the lasagna noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 3 or 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon ⅓ of the meat sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles and spread the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this cheesy and hearty lasagna with a side of garlic bread and salad!