Mom's Beef Lasagna Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• STEP 3.Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
• STEP 4.Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• STEP 5.In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
• STEP 6.Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
• STEP 7.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 8.Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
• STEP 9.Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer a meatier lasagna, you can add more ground beef or even mix in some Italian sausage.
• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute.
• Lasagna tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it ahead of time and reheat when needed.

Storage and Serving

• Serve the beef lasagna hot, straight from the oven.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
• Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.