Lasagna

By Londoncookss

Prep Time: 40mins

Cooking Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins 

1lb ground beef 

9 Lasagna Noodles

1/2 small  Onion, diced into small cubes

1/2 Sweet Pepper, diced into small cubes

1 Tomato, diced into small cubes

4 cloves Garlic, diced into small cubes

1 tblsp Italian Seasoning 

1/2 tblsp Basil

1/2 tblsp Oregano

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 1/2  tsp Black Pepper

Mozzarella Cheese, use your desired amount

Parmesan Cheese, use your desired amount

1 egg

15oz or 1 small container Ricotta Cheese

1 24 oz Jar of Spaghetti/Tomato sauce

Salt to taste 

2 tblsp Tomato paste

1 cup water

2 tbsp sugar

Parsley 

Directions:

Prepare Lasagna noodles according to directions on package. Once cooked, place cooked pasta under some cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside. Be sure to add a little oil to the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.

 Over a medium high heat, brown ground Beef in a skillet and be sure to drain the oil before adding any seasoning. I like to brown my ground beef half way, while some of the meat is still pink, and drain. Doing it this way allows to keep some of the fat in the meat which will add some flavor. It’s not necessary to add oil as the meat is lean and will release a lot of oil while browning.

 After draining the oil, add onions, garlic, peppers and allow to sauté with beef for about 5 mins.

 Add entire jar of spaghetti sauce, 2 tblsp tomato paste, tomatoes, 1 tblsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tblsp Basil, 1/2 tblsp Oregano, Italian Seasoning, 1 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 cup water (swished around in spaghetti sauce jar to get out the remainder of sauce) and 2 tbsp sugar to the Beef. Stir well and allow to simmer over a low heat for about 15 mins to allow the Ground beef and sauce to somewhat marry each other.

 Tip: if you have a fresh blend or green seasoning mix, add some to sauce to kick the flavors up a notch!

 While sauce is simmering prepare Ricotta cheese mixture by adding your desired amount to a bowl with 1 egg, your desired amount of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp Black pepper and a dash of salt to taste. Combine all ingredients evenly and set aside.

 Once the meat sauce is ready remove from heat and set aside.

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

 In a baking dish, I used a 9x13 dish, spread some of the meat sauce all over the bottom lightly. 

Add a layer over lasagna noodles and then top with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. In random spots, spoon meat sauce and Ricotta cheese mix until a layer has been created. Top with more Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Repeat steps until all the meat sauce, ricotta cheese mix and lasagna noodles have been used up. Finish off by topping lasagna with extra cheese and fresh Parsley. Wrap tightly with a foil ensuring not to touch cheese.

 Place in oven to bake for 45 mins or until fully heated.

 Let stand for at least 10 mins before serving and enjoy with some Garlic Bread, a salad or your favorite side!