Classic Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 clove garlic
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the meat sauce: Brown ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. Drain fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Make the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, then ricotta cheese, then béchamel, then mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce, béchamel, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.