Ingredients:
For the Beef Lasagna:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 lasagna noodles (boiled according to package instructions)
3 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (for ricotta mixture)
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Garlic Bread:
1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (optional), dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom.
Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of beef sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times.
Finish with a final layer of beef sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Make the Garlic Bread:
While the lasagna is baking, slice the bread into thick slices.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each slice of bread.
Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Once the lasagna is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the lasagna with a side of freshly made garlic bread.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy! 🍝🧄🍞
Enjoy your rich, cheesy beef lasagna and crispy garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal!