Delicious homemade lasagna

Prepare the Sauce:

In a large pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Noodles:

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread about half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
Spoon more sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sauce.
Place a final layer of noodles on top and cover with sauce.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve:

Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.