Layered Delight Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Ingredients

• 9 pieces lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 piece onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 piece egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
5. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese. Pour a third of the meat sauce over the top. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, more mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Finally, top with the last 3 noodles, remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy!