Classic Lasagna

By á-174535

Layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and cheese make this a terrific Classic Lasagna recipe.

Ingredients

• 12 dried lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces bulk Italian sausage or bulk pork sausage*
• 1 cup chopped onion,1 large
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 15-ounce carton ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 recipe Bechamel Sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 8-ounces
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
• Snipped fresh basil, optional
• Bechamel Sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Place 3 of the cooked lasagna noodles in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap; top with another sheet of plastic wrap and 3 more of the lasagna noodles. Repeat to layer all of the lasagna noodles; set aside.

For meat sauce, in a large skillet cook beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until meat is brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For filling, in a medium bowl combine egg, ricotta cheese, and the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; set aside.

Spread about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of an ungreased 3-quart rectangular baking dish (this keeps the noodles from sticking to the baking dish). Arrange three of the cooked noodles lengthwise over sauce in dish. Spread with one-fourth of the filling.** Spoon one-fourth of the Bechamel Sauce over the filling. Top with one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce and one-fourth of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers three more times, starting with noodles and ending with mozzarella cheese (make sure the top layer of noodles is evenly covered with sauce). If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until hot in the center (160˚F). Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with basil.

Bechamel Sauce Directions

In a medium saucepan cook garlic in hot butter over medium heat for 1 minute. Stir in flour until combined. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Do not let brown. Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Make-Ahead Directions:
Prepare Classic Lasagna as directed through Step 4. Cover lasagna with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Uncover lasagna. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until hot in the center (160 degrees F).