Easy Classic Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 24-oz jar spaghetti sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 cups cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 9-12 lasagna noodles
• 16-oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown ground beef with onion and salt and pepper in a large skillet until meat is cooked through; drain fat from meat.

2. 2

   Add spaghetti sauce and crushed red pepper then stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer meat sauce 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Combine cottage or ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic and salt; stir to combine then set aside.

4. 4

   Shred cheese. Note: you will use 1/4 of the cheese in the first layer, 1/4 in the second layer and then use the remaining half on top.

5. 5

   Cook lasagna noodles in liberally salted water per manufacturer’s instructions for al dente preparation.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drizzle the bottom of a 3-quart rectangular baking pan with olive oil.

7. 7

   Arrange 3-4 noodles (depending how big your pan is – mine fits 3 noodles per layer) in a single layer in baking pan.

8. 8

   Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over noodles.

9. 9

   Top cheese mixture with 1/3 meat sauce.

10. 10

    Top meat sauce with 1/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

11. 11

    Repeat these layers two times using all of the remaining shredded mozzarella and parmesan on the top layer.

12. 12

    Cover dish with aluminum foil (tent if necessary so foil isn't touching cheese) then bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

13. 13

    Remove aluminum foil from dish then continue baking for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is nicely browned. Remove from oven and let stand 15-20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.