Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna sheets (cooked or no-boil)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot, cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. 2

   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp salt, and black pepper. Simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. 5

   To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.

6. 6

   Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan.

7. 7

   Spoon another 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers with remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, another third of mozzarella, meat sauce, and Parmesan.

8. 8

   Top with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil (tent it slightly so it doesn't touch the cheese).

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Let cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.