Simple Italian Baked Lasagna

Loves2Teach's Note:

This is one of those simple clasics that everyone loves. I usually serve it with a garden salad, and french bread. This also freezes beautifully! I have made two pans, one for now, and one for later. Enjoy! From http://www.cooking-italian-food.com/lasagna.htm

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 15

• 1 lb lasagna noodle, cooked
• 2 (16 ounce) jars meatless sauce
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped or minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions or until tender but still firm.
2. Drain, keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, saute the ground beef, garlic and onion is a large heavy skillet or saucepan until beef is done.
4. Add sauce, salt, and Italian seasoning and mix well.
5. Simmer on low heat 12-15 minutes .
6. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and ricotta cheese.
7. Grease a 9" x 12" or larger, baking pan.
8. Arrange a first layer of noodles so the ends hang over the sides of the pan.
9. (The ends will be laid back-over the top for the final layer).
10. Then add a layer of the cooked beef lasagna sauce, ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese.
11. Add a second alternating layer of pasta, the meat sauce and cheese mixture.
12. Repeat until pan is almost full then fold over the ends of the first layer of noodles and top with more lasagna sauce.
13. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes , or till cheese is bubbly.
14. Allow to set for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
15. This Lasagna recipe can be modified to suit individual preferences. I have also made it using Italian sausage instead of beef, and I have added a can of chopped tomatoes to the sauce mixture with good results. Sometimes I mix in shredded parmesan cheese to the ricotta for an extra boost :).

Reviews

[Curlee827]

I have to rate this since this is exactly how my italian grandmother taught me how to make lasagna (the only exception was that we used 2 28oz cans of crushed tomatoes instead of jars of sauce). My hubby prefers this with beef, I prefer it with sausage, so I usually combine the two. I also add the parm to the ricotta mixture (just helps to save a step!) I always try to make an extra to put in the freezer, there are many requests for this lasagna. Thanks for posting!!

[meredith thorson]

Yummy. I added green peppers, fresh basil, and other spices. I prefer a bit more ricotta, but this recipe is a great template to begin with.