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### Instructions for Classic Baked Lasagna
1. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles**:
If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.
2. **Make the Meat Sauce**:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture**:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. **Assemble the Lasagna**:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (about 3-4 noodles, depending on your pan). Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Repeat this layering process (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. **Bake the Lasagna**:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. **Let it Rest**:
Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Slice the lasagna into squares, serve with a side of garlic bread, and enjoy!
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### Tips for the Best Classic Baked Lasagna
– **Use Quality Ingredients**: The sauce is the heart of the lasagna, so use the best-quality tomatoes you can find. If possible, opt for **San Marzano** tomatoes for a rich, sweet sauce.
– **Make it Ahead of Time**: Lasagna is a perfect dish to make ahead. Simply assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
– **Mix Up the Cheese**: If you want to add even more flavor, try mixing in some shredded provolone, gouda, or even a bit of sharp cheddar into the mozzarella layer.
– **Freeze for Later**: You can freeze lasagna for a quick meal on a busy day. After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it and freeze individual portions in airtight containers. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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### How to Serve Classic Baked Lasagna
Classic baked lasagna is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a **simple green salad** or a **side of garlic bread**. You can also serve it with a refreshing glass of red wine, such as **Chianti** or **Sangiovese**, to complement the rich flavors of the sauce.
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### Conclusion
This **Classic Baked Lasagna** recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this lasagna is always a win!
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