Name: Classic and Simple Meat Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-484178H33M38S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Meat Sauce: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes; 12 ounces tomato paste; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Cheese Layer: 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Additional Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

This Classic and Simple Meat Lasagna recipe is a traditional comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal. Packed with layers of hearty ground beef, creamy cheese mixture, and whole wheat noodles, it's both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

12 whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
4 ½ cups tomato-basil pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cook the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over medium heat. Stir until the beef is crumbly and evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Mix Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

In a 9x13-inch baking pan, lay 4 lasagna noodles side by side. Top with a layer of pasta sauce, a layer of the ground beef mixture, and a layer of the cottage cheese mixture. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a final layer of pasta sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the lasagna is bubbling. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top becomes golden brown.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the lasagna to stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set up, making it easier to cut and serve.

Tips:

Noodle Prep: No-boil lasagna noodles can be used to save time. If you opt for no-boil noodles, ensure there’s enough sauce to cover each layer as these noodles need more moisture to cook in the oven.
Cheese Layer: For a richer flavor, mix some ricotta with the cottage cheese or replace it entirely with ricotta.
Meat Options: Feel free to mix some Italian sausage with the ground beef for added flavor.
Serving: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This lasagna is sure to be a hit, offering the comforting tastes and textures that make it a beloved classic in many households. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!