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#### For the Lasagna:
– 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
– Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
### How to Make Delicious Lasagna
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like your sauce a little sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Once it’s done, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
**Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles**
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.
Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Then, add another layer of meat sauce, ensuring the noodles are well-covered. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce) until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a final layer of meat sauce.
**Step 5: Bake the Lasagna**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once it’s done, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
### Tips for Perfect Lasagna
– **Use No-Boil Noodles:** To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just make sure to add enough sauce to hydrate them as they bake.
– **Customize the Filling:** If you want a meatless lasagna, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
– **Make Ahead:** Lasagna can be made a day or two in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
– **Freeze for Later:** Lasagna freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
This delicious lasagna recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this lasagna will hit the spot every time.
