Basic Recipe for Homemade Lasagna

**Ingredients:**

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

– 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste

– 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato sauce

– 1/2 cup water

– 2 teaspoons sugar

– 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese

– 1 egg, beaten

– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Sauce:**

   – In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

   – Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until onions are tender.

   – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, and salt. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**

   – In a bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese with beaten egg.

3. **Assemble the Lasagna:**

   – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   – In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.

   – Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

   – Spread half of the ricotta or cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.

   – Sprinkle with a portion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

   – Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of meat sauce on top.

4. **Bake:**

   – Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

5. **Serve:**

   – Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

   – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!