A delicious and hearty lasagna recipe that combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Stir in the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well.
Crush the stewed tomatoes slightly for a smoother sauce.
Season the sauce with basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until thickened.
Simmering enhances the flavors and melds them together.
Stir in the sugar and baking soda, then remove the sauce from heat.
The baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
This prevents the noodles from sticking to the dish.
Lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of cottage cheese, followed by mozzarella cheese, and then meat sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Ensure even layers for consistent cooking.
Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Press down gently on each layer to compact the lasagna.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Covering prevents the top from browning too quickly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Keep an eye on the lasagna to avoid burning the cheese.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.