Hearty Italian Lasagna

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Meat Mixture

In a large pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well-browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Prepare Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook Noodles

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

5. Prepare Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.

6. Assemble Lasagna

Spread 1.5 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange six noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1.5 cups meat sauce over the mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake Lasagna

Cover with foil that’s been lightly greased on the side that will touch the cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.

8. Cool Lasagna

Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before serving.