Foodie Indian

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will be the cheese filling for the lasagna.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
7. Spread a layer of the cheese filling evenly over the noodles. Top with another layer of meat sauce.
8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, cheese filling, and meat sauce, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Make sure all the noodles are covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out.
9. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Once the lasagna is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!

Note: Feel free to customize your lasagna by adding other ingredients such as sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or additional herbs. You can also prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking, or freeze it for future meals.