Beef Lasagna

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and lay flat on oiled baking sheets to prevent sticking.
2. Make the meat sauce
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Finish the sauce
   Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
4. Prepare the cheese mixture
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the lasagna
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce.
6. Add the layers
   Repeat layering twice more with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese.
7. Bake the lasagna
   Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Rest and serve
   Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.