Prepare the Meat Sauce

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Now, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then season with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent sticking.

If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step and move directly to assembling the lasagna!

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna! Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.

Then, lay 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous portion of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with a bit of extra mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.

For the final layer, top it with a good amount of mozzarella cheese. This will create a beautifully melted, golden crust when baked.

5. Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Let It Rest

Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.

7. Serve and Garnish

Serve your lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a full Italian meal experience.