**Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
– Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture:**
– In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Lasagna:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
– Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
– Repeat layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
– For the final layer, top with noodles, the remaining sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. **Bake:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray).
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
– Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
**Description**
Classic Lasagna is a rich and comforting dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. The flavors meld together in a harmonious blend of tangy tomato, aromatic herbs, and hearty meat, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for sharing.
**Nutritional Information** (per serving, based on 8 servings)
– **Calories:** Approximately 450
– **Protein:** 30g
– **Carbohydrates:** 40g
– **Fat:** 20g
– **Fiber:** 4g
– **Sugars:** 8g
**Conclusion**
Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Its hearty layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese make it a beloved meal for gatherings and family dinners alike. While it may take some time to prepare, the end result is a deliciously satisfying dish that’s worth every step.
**Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
To make lasagna a bit healthier, you can substitute part of the ricotta with low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and use whole grain or vegetable-based noodles. Incorporating more vegetables into the sauce or cheese layer can also boost the nutritional value. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and consider reducing the cheese to lower the fat content. By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna while maintaining a balanced approach to eating.
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, and enjoy this classic dish with family and friends!
