This classic beef lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional dish, featuring a rich and flavorful meat sauce layered with tender noodles and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your lasagna.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
To prevent sticking, drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked noodles.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Breaking up the beef into small pieces ensures even cooking and better layering.
Add the spaghetti sauce, water, parmesan cheese, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
This prevents the noodles from sticking to the dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a third of the remaining meat sauce and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice, ending with the meat sauce and a final sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
Pressing down gently after each layer helps to compact the lasagna for even baking.
Bake the lasagna uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For a crispy top, broil the lasagna for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat slices.