Lasagna

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food and a favorite of most!  After trying several recipes, I have found that this is the best recipe out there.  I have tweaked the original recipe slightly to improve it further.  

This lasagna is actually even better when made hours or even a day in advance because it allows the flavors to meld further.  

Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3 (14.5 oz ) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 1/2 package lasagna noodles
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1) In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, onion and garlic; drain fat. Mix in basil, oregano, brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

1. 2) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles, and cook.

3) In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, parsley and 1 teaspoon salt. 

4) Spread sauce on the bottom of the pan and then layer lasagna noodles in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover noodles with ricotta mixture.  Make two more sets of layers: sauce, noodles, and then ricotta mixture.  Then place noodles and a little bit of sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (unless making in advance, then wait until you are ready to put it in the oven).

5) Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes (If you make ahead, it will be more like 45 minutes). Let stand 10 minutes before serving.