Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a towel to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 4 noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese.
Top with a third of the meat sauce and repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
Finish with the last layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil with cooking spray).
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna stand for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Variations and Tips
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add spinach for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thin slices of zucchini as a noodle substitute.
Cheese Substitutes: For a dairy-free version, use cashew cheese or a vegan ricotta made from blended tofu, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.