Ingredients
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling noodles
– Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
– Mixing bowl for ricotta filling
– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Aluminum foil
– Baking sheet (for catching drips)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I boil the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until they’re al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they’re cooked, I carefully drain them and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. While the noodles cool, I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or sausage. The sizzle as the meat hits the pan is music to my ears! I cook it until browned, then stir in the marinara sauce, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes. It’s at this point that my kitchen begins to smell divine. (See the next page below to continue steps…)