Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the Cheeses:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until well-mixed.
Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the marinara sauce.
Repeat the layers: another set of noodles, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce.
Top the lasagna with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your classic homemade lasagna!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Lasagna can be served with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variations:
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of vegetables.
Add a layer of béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? A: Yes, no-boil noodles work just as well. Just make sure you add a little extra marinara sauce to ensure they cook properly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
This classic lasagna recipe is easy to make, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser!
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