Classic Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups milk
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. For the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. For the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, then ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with béchamel, remaining meat sauce, and mozzarella.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.