🍝 Classic Baked Lasagna (Meat & Cheese)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
• Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

2. Make the Ricotta Filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup meat sauce in bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 4 lasagna noodles (slightly overlapping).
• Spread ⅓ of ricotta mixture over noodles.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
• Spoon 1 cup meat sauce over cheese.
• Repeat layers twice more: noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce.
• Top with final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Bake:

• Cover with foil (tent slightly to avoid touching cheese).
• Bake 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps layers hold together.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve hot with garlic bread and a green salad.

---

💡 Tips & Variations:

• No-boil noodles? Use them straight from the box — they’ll soften as it bakes.
• Vegetarian? Swap meat for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
• Extra cheesy? Add ½ cup provolone or fontina between layers.
• Gluten-free? Use GF lasagna noodles.
• Make ahead? Assemble up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, then bake as directed (add 10–15 mins if cold).

---

This classic lasagna is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor — exactly like your photo! The golden cheese top, meaty layers, and fresh herbs make it a timeless favorite.

Let me know if you want a white sauce (béchamel) version, a spicy arrabbiata twist, or a slow cooker method! 🧀🍝✨
(Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week.)